Suspected bandits launched a violent raid on the Girkau and Kurya communities within Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Hussaini Balarabe, alongside two local residents—70-year-old Bala Wakili and a young herder who refused to surrender his livestock.

The heavily armed assailants stormed the area to rustle cattle, prompting an immediate joint response from police officers, military personnel, and operatives of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps following urgent distress calls from frightened villagers.

Police authorities confirmed that security forces immediately mobilized to the scene to repel the attackers, but lost one of their officers during the fierce exchange of gunfire while two operational vehicles one belonging to the police and the other to the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps—were set ablaze.

The gun battle lasted for over an hour as security forces attempted to protect residents and scatter the stolen cattle into nearby forests, though the large volume of attackers eventually allowed them to destroy two operational patrol vehicles before retreating.

In addition to the three fatalities, a local farmer, Salisu Bala, sustained gunshot injuries during the assault and remains under medical care, while joint tactical teams continue sweeping the surrounding forest corridors to track down the fleeing assailants.