The Sokoto State Police Command said its operatives had killed two suspected bandits in a gun duel after foiling an attack on Dankadu Village in Illela Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspected bandits had been advancing from Tsauana Forest towards the community when they were intercepted by security operatives.

According to the statement, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Volunteer Constabulary and Rescue Unit, alongside other tactical teams, engaged the suspects in a gun duel.

The bandits reportedly fled into the forest with gunshot wounds.

A subsequent clearance operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and 54 rounds of live ammunition, the statement said.

In a related development, the command said its operatives had arrested suspects allegedly linked to motorcycle theft syndicates operating in parts of Sokoto metropolis.

The suspects were arrested during operations in the Kwannawa, Tamaje, Mabera and Mana areas, leading to the recovery of several stolen motorcycles and a fabricated pistol.

The command said investigations were ongoing, while efforts had been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicates who were still at large.

The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hassan Hayatu Shaffa, commended the operatives for their professionalism, bravery and swift response.

Shaffa assured residents that the command remained committed to combating banditry and other forms of criminality in the state.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious activities to security agencies.