Bandits have struck in a deadly manner, eliminating an Assistant Superintendent of Police where they rustled an unspecified number of livestock
The victim has been identified as ASP Bala Wakili, who was eliminated during a gun battle between security operatives and suspected bandits.
The confrontation played out in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where the late officer was attached to the Kebbe Police Division.
Sources said the attackers invaded Girkau and Zugu villages at about 4 p.m. on Monday, where they rustled an unspecified number of livestock.
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One source told the medium that a joint security team comprising police officers, soldiers and members of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps mounted an ambush for the bandits as they were leaving Zugu village.
The source said the ensuing gun battle lasted for more than one hour.
“The security operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of fire, but the attackers were in large numbers. They eventually overpowered the team, killed ASP Bala Wakili and set ablaze two patrol vehicles — one belonging to the police and the other to the Sokoto Community Guard Corps,” Daily Trust has quoted the source as saying.
A security operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident and said the body of the slain officer was recovered and buried on Tuesday.
The spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, also confirmed the attack, stating that a police officer “paid the supreme price” in the line of duty.
He said additional security personnel had been deployed to the affected communities and assured residents that the situation had been brought under control.
Rufa’i added that security agencies were working to track down the attackers and prevent further incidents in the area.
-Daily Trust
