An Assistant Superintendent of Police, Bala Wakili, has been killed after suspected bandits ambushed a joint security team in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The attack, which occurred on Monday, also left two patrol vehicles belonging to the police and the Sokoto Community Guard Corps destroyed by fire.
Sources said the gunmen had earlier invaded Girkau and Zugu villages, where they rustled an unspecified number of livestock before attempting to flee the area.
Security operatives comprising police officers, soldiers and members of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps reportedly laid an ambush for the attackers as they were leaving Zugu village.
The operation, however, degenerated into a fierce gun battle that lasted for more than an hour, with the bandits reportedly overwhelming the security team.
A source familiar with the incident said the attackers killed ASP Wakili during the exchange of gunfire before setting the two patrol vehicles ablaze.
“The operatives put up a strong resistance, but the bandits outnumbered them. They eventually killed the police officer and burnt the patrol vehicles before escaping,” the source said.
A security operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, adding that the slain officer's body was recovered and buried on Tuesday.
The spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa'i, also confirmed the attack, saying the deceased officer paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
He disclosed that additional security personnel had been deployed to the affected communities, assuring residents that the situation had been brought under control.
Rufa'i added that security agencies had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing attackers and prevent further attacks in the area.
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