The Sokoto State Government has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for successfully thwarting an attempted ambush by suspected bandits in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), explained that the attackers tried to ambush traders travelling from Tarah village to the weekly market in Sabon Birni on Sunday but were swiftly neutralised by troops deployed to the area.
Usman described the military’s prompt response as timely and professional, noting that it averted what could have been a tragic incident.
“The swift response, professionalism, and courage displayed by our military personnel once again reaffirm their commitment to protecting the lives and property of our people,” he said.
He added that the state government appreciates the sacrifices of security forces in the fight against banditry and encouraged them to sustain the momentum.
“We urge our troops to intensify operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements not only from Sokoto State but across the entire North-West subregion,” the statement added.
The government also urged communities to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security agencies, emphasising that public cooperation is a vital tool in combating insecurity.
“Intelligence is essential. We expect communities to support security agencies by reporting movements or behaviour that could endanger public safety,” Usman said.
He further warned that the government would not tolerate any form of criminality within its borders, stressing that networks of bandits, collaborators, informants, and financiers would be dismantled.
“Anyone aiding or abetting criminal activity will face the full weight of the law without exception,” he warned.
Usman reaffirmed Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s commitment to supporting security agencies with the resources needed to secure the state.
Sabon Birni LGA has been one of the areas in Sokoto State most affected by banditry in recent years, with several communities suffering repeated attacks and displacement.
The state government, in collaboration with federal security agencies, has intensified operations in the eastern axis of the state, leading to multiple successful raids and neutralisation of criminal groups in recent months, including the killing of 11 bandits by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA on Sunday evening.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
