By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Sokoto
An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Bala Wakili, has been killed during a fierce gun battle between security operatives and suspected bandits in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The slain officer, who was attached to the Kebbe Police Division, reportedly lost his life while confronting the armed criminals during a joint security operation.
Sources said the bandits invaded Girkau and Zugu villages at about 4 p.m. on Monday, where they rustled an unspecified number of livestock before attempting to flee the area.
Acting on intelligence, a joint security team comprising police personnel, soldiers and members of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps mounted an ambush along the bandits’ escape route near Zugu village.
The encounter reportedly degenerated into a fierce gun battle that lasted for more than one hour, with both sides exchanging heavy gunfire.
According to security sources, the attackers, said to be in overwhelming numbers, eventually overpowered the security team, killing ASP Bala Wakili before setting ablaze two patrol vehicles—one belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and the other to the Sokoto Community Guard Corps.
Another security operative, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the officer’s body was recovered after the clash and laid to rest on Tuesday.
Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said the command lost a gallant officer who “paid the supreme price” in the line of duty while defending the community against criminal elements.
He disclosed that additional security personnel had been deployed to the affected communities to reinforce ongoing operations, assuring residents that the situation had been brought under control.
The police spokesman added that security agencies had intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the attack and prevent further bandit activities in the area.
