A joint security operation involving troops of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, police operatives, civil defence personnel, and local security outfits has repelled a bandit attack on Tureta, the headquarters of Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attack, which occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, prompted an immediate response from security agencies after armed bandits attempted to infiltrate the town.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Tureta Local Government Area, Hon. Aliyu Abubakar Tureta, said the attackers were confronted and forced to retreat by a combined security team.

According to him, troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base in Tureta led the operation alongside operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Sokoto State Police Command, the Divisional Police Officer in the area, personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and members of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps.

The council chairman commended the security agencies for their swift response, noting that their intervention prevented casualties and abductions.

He disclosed that several items were recovered from the fleeing bandits, including camels, cattle, and two motorcycles believed to have been used during the attack.

“The attackers were decisively engaged by security personnel and forced to abandon some of their belongings while escaping from the area,” he said.

Residents of the area reportedly welcomed the successful operation, expressing relief over the growing cooperation among security agencies in the state.

Also confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said the command had deployed additional personnel to sustain operations in the affected area.

“There was no casualty recorded on either side, and no person was abducted during the attack,” he said.

Rufai added that security personnel had expanded operations to Doruwa and Matseri villages along the Gusau Road corridor, where another group of suspected bandits was being engaged.

According to him, the operation is aimed at preventing the criminals from regrouping and threatening nearby communities.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies, assuring them that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing attackers and prevent future threats to lives and property. (Vanguard)