The Nigeria Police Force on Saturday dismissed reports of the emergence of a new terrorist group in Sokoto State, explaining that the people sighted between Sokoto and Niger border were not bandits, but herders from Mali, their wives and children with their cattle, Carmel and donkeys.

A statement in Abuja by Force Public Relations Officer, Acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, said the herders come to same area annually from Mali to Nigeria border area in search of water for their cattle.

“The herders did not enter the Nigerian Territory before they went back since on Tuesday, 27th November, 2018, and no attack on any person or damage to farm crops was recorded,” the statement said.

The statement enjoined the people of Sokoto State and environs not to panic but to go about their law duties without any fear or apprehension.