Nigerian Army Troops Repel Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Recover Arms and Livestock
In a decisive security operation, troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully repelled an attack by armed bandits on Kola Village in the Salame Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The incident, which occurred on February 1, 2026, at approximately 6:15 a.m., was swiftly addressed following a distress call reporting a large-scale invasion by heavily armed assailants.
Swift Security Response and Engagement
Upon receiving the alert, a joint security team comprising troops from the Army Forward Operating Base and operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit was immediately deployed to the area. The forces engaged the bandits in an intense gun battle that lasted for a considerable duration. According to security sources, the attackers were overpowered and forced to retreat into nearby forests, sustaining casualties during the confrontation.
"The joint security team engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel that lasted for some time. The bandits were overpowered and fled into the nearby forest with their casualties," a source familiar with the operation stated.
Recovery of Arms and Stolen Livestock
Following the successful repulsion of the attack, security operatives conducted a thorough search of the surrounding bushes. During this operation, they recovered:
- One AK-47 rifle with 24 rounds of live ammunition, believed to have belonged to a neutralized bandit
- Forty-eight rustled sheep that had been taken from villagers during the assault
Remarkably, no casualties were recorded among the troops or villagers, highlighting the effectiveness of the security response and minimizing harm to civilians.
Sustained Security Presence and Patrols
In the aftermath of the operation, confidence-building patrols have been intensified in the area. All Forward Operating Bases have been placed on high alert to monitor for injured bandits who may be seeking refuge. The troops have reassured residents of Salame and neighboring communities of a sustained security presence to prevent further attacks.
Security forces have urged local communities to continue cooperating by providing timely and credible information to enhance intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness.
Context of Banditry in Sokoto State
Sokoto State, located in Nigeria's northwest region, has faced significant challenges from rural banditry in recent years. Armed groups frequently target villages, engaging in activities such as:
- Livestock rustling
- Abduction of residents
- Disruption of farming activities
Reports indicate that bandit enclaves have been established in remote forest areas, serving as bases for coordinated attacks on both communities and security forces. In response to this persistent threat, the Nigerian Army has launched operations like Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which have successfully dismantled strongholds and recovered stolen property.
The Sokoto State Government has also implemented new initiatives aimed at improving intelligence gathering and strengthening collaboration with security agencies. These efforts are designed to reduce the frequency of attacks and restore public confidence in the region's security framework.
This recent operation demonstrates the ongoing commitment of Nigerian security forces to combat banditry and protect vulnerable communities in Sokoto State and across the northwest region.
