Cattle recovered from the suspected rustlers
Sokoto State Police Command has successfully thwarted a bandit attack on Imasa Matankari village in Tureta Local Government Area, recovering 25 cattle stolen during the raid and ensuring that no lives were lost.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with other security agencies, including personnel of the Nigerian Army.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, security operatives acted swiftly after receiving a distress call from residents of the affected community, which borders Zamfara State.
The statement read in part: “On June 2, 2026, at about 14:00 hours, a distress call was received that a large number of armed bandits had invaded Imasa Matankari village. The assailants fired sporadically and rustled 25 cows belonging to local villagers.”
It further explained that security personnel immediately launched a coordinated response to prevent the attackers from escaping with the stolen livestock.
“Upon receipt of the information, OC VCRU, who was on heightened alert, immediately mobilized combined teams from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and personnel from the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB). Security forces quickly blocked all exit routes from the village and engaged the bandits in a sustained gun duel.”
The police said the superior response by the combined security team forced the attackers to retreat into the nearby Kuruwa Forest after an intense exchange of gunfire.
“After a fierce exchange, the operatives overpowered the hoodlums, forcing them to flee through the nearby Kuruwa Forest. In their hasty retreat, the bandits abandoned all the stolen animals. All 25 rustled cows were recovered in full and have since been returned to their rightful owners.”
The Command described the operation as a major success, noting that no casualties were recorded during the encounter.
The statement added that security personnel have continued surveillance and search operations in the area to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
“Security forces have maintained an active vigilance posture in the area and are continuing search operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information to strengthen ongoing efforts against banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnapping across the state.
