The attack occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, when armed bandits stormed the community, fired sporadically to create panic, and fled with livestock belonging to residents.

According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Binjiimmediately mobilised a combined tactical team made up of operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Viable Crime Response Unit. The security team quickly blocked possible escape routes and pursued the fleeing attackers into nearby areas.

Police said the operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon all 43 rustled sheep before escaping into the surrounding forest. Authorities confirmed that the recovered animals were returned to their rightful owners and noted that neither security personnel nor residents suffered casualties during the operation.

The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, praised the Binji DPO and members of the tactical team for their swift response, courage and professionalism. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Sokoto State, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence that could help prevent future attacks.

Police also disclosed that a coordinated manhunt is underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and strengthen security around vulnerable communities. The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb recurring bandit attacks in parts of Sokoto State, where security agencies have intensified patrols and intelligence-led operations to restore peace.