June 22, 2026 – Sokoto, Nigeria
Security forces and local security outfits repelled a bandit attack on Tureta, the headquarters of Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in a swift response that prevented the attackers from overrunning the town.
The attack, which occurred at about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2026, prompted an immediate response from security agencies after armed bandits attempted to infiltrate the town.
A combined security team, comprising the police, military, and local vigilantes, confronted the attackers and forced them to retreat. The security forces blocked all exit routes from the village and engaged the bandits in a sustained gun duel.
The swift response of the security forces prevented the bandits from causing significant damage. No casualties were reported among security personnel or residents. The attackers fled through the nearby Kuruwa Forest.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu has called for enhanced security cooperation to protect local government headquarters and vulnerable communities in the state. In a statement, the governor commended the security forces for their swift response and urged them to remain vigilant.
The government will continue to support our security agencies with the resources they need to protect our communities, the governor said.
The attack on Tureta, the headquarters of a local government area, is a worrying development that underscores the expanding reach of bandit groups in the North-West. The fact that bandits are now targeting local government headquarters suggests that no area is safe. The government must take urgent action to strengthen security in rural communities and prevent further attacks.
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