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 late officer was attached to the Kebbe Police Division.

Sources told Daily Trust that the attackers invaded Girkau and Zugu villages at about 4 p.m. on Monday, where they rustled an unspecified number of livestock.

According to one of the sources, a joint security team comprising police officers, soldiers and members of the Sokoto Community Guard Corps mounted an ambush for the bandits as they were leaving Zugu village.

The source said the ensuing gun battle lasted for more than one hour.

“The security operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of fire, but the attackers were in large numbers. They eventually overpowered the team, killed ASP Bala Wakili and set ablaze two patrol vehicles — one belonging to the police and the other to the Sokoto Community Guard Corps,” the source said.

A security operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident and said the body of the slain officer was recovered and buried on Tuesday.

The spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’I, also confirmed the attack, stating that a police officer “paid the supreme price” in the line of duty.

He said additional security personnel had been deployed to the affected communities and assured residents that the situation had been brought under control.

Rufa’I added that security agencies were working to track down the attackers and prevent further incidents in the area. (Daily Trust)

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