Joint Nigeria-Niger Operation Foils Bandit Raid in Sokoto
Joint Nigeria-Niger Operation Foils Bandit Raid in Sokoto
In a successful joint operation late Saturday into early Sunday, January 11, 2026, security forces neutralized a group of bandits attempting to raid Abara village in Sokoto State’s Sabon-Birni LGA.
After receiving credible intelligence, Nigerian troops and local vigilantes from Abara and Kyalkyale mobilized quickly to intercept the attackers, who had arrived on motorcycles before proceeding on foot.
The intense confrontation forced the bandits to flee toward their hidden transport, but they were met with a secondary ambush.
Soldiers from the Republic of Niger had discovered the parked motorcycles and taken up strategic positions, opening fire as the group returned and killing all the bandits at the scene.
By Monday morning, the operation led to the capture of a surviving suspect in Magajin Dawaki village who had attempted to evade detection.
The individual had broken into a residence to discard his combat gear and disguise himself in civilian clothing, but he was caught by the homeowner and handed over to the authorities.
This coordinated effort between Nigerian and Nigerien military forces, supported by courageous local volunteers, effectively averted a potentially devastating attack on the community.
Their swift response and cross-border cooperation have been widely praised for ensuring the safety of the Abara region.
