Police confirm Sokoto bandit attack as officer reportedly dies

The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed an attack by armed bandits on communities in Shagari Local Government Area, amid reports that a police inspector was killed during the incident.

Police spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufai said the Divisional Police Officer responsible for Shagari had confirmed that several communities were attacked, but the command was still gathering information about the incident and casualty figures.

Residents had earlier raised the alarm over the movement of armed men around farmlands and settlements in the area, particularly around Sanyin Nawal village.
One resident, Hassan Sahabi, appealed publicly for prayers as the attackers reportedly moved through the community.

Local accounts said the gunmen moved around the Shagari farmlands before heading towards Sanyin Nawal, where they allegedly stopped vehicles and robbed travellers.

The attackers were also reported to have set a motorcycle ablaze before moving through nearby villages.

Police inspector reportedly killed
According to local accounts, the attackers encountered a passenger vehicle later in the day and opened fire.
A police officer identified as Inspector Isah Muhammad Girkau was reportedly struck by a bullet and died from his injuries. Punch Newspapers
However, as of Punch’s latest report, the Sokoto State Police Command had not formally confirmed the officer’s identity or death.
Rufai said the command was still working to establish the full circumstances and casualties from the attack.

The incident comes amid a series of attacks affecting rural communities in Sokoto State.

In September, police confirmed that bandits killed two people and rustled livestock during an attack in Kebbe Local Government Area. Punch Newspapers
Other recent incidents have involved killings, kidnappings and livestock theft across several communities in the state.