An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Bala Wakili, has been killed during a 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, lost his life while responding to an attack on communities in the area.
According to sources, the bandits invaded Girkau and Zugu villages at about 4:00 p.m. on Monday, rustling an unspecified number of livestock before attempting to flee.
A joint security team comprising police officers, military personnel and members of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps reportedly laid an ambush for the attackers as they exited Zugu village.
The encounter escalated into a fierce gun battle that lasted for more than an hour.
Sources said the attackers, who were reportedly in large numbers, eventually overpowered the security team, killing ASP Wakili and setting two patrol vehicles ablaze—one belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and the other to the Sokoto Community Guard Corps.
A security operative, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed the incident, adding that the body of the deceased officer was recovered after the confrontation and buried on Tuesday.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa'i, said a police officer "paid the supreme price" while carrying out his official duties.
He disclosed that additional security personnel had been deployed to the affected communities to strengthen security and reassure residents.
Rufa'i further stated that the situation had been brought under control, while security agencies have launched efforts to track down those responsible for the attack and prevent further incidents in the area.
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