Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized several suspected bandits in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State after responding to an early-morning ambush on traders travelling to a weekly market. The attackers, believed to be part of a large armed group operating across remote communities in Sokoto’s eastern corridor, targeted the traders along the Tarah–Karawa route on Monday.
The incident happened at Kwanan Akimbo around 8:00 a.m., when the traders were making their way from Tarah village to Sabon Birni town for the regular market day. Bandits have frequently targeted rural markets in northern states, taking advantage of the heavy movement of people and goods to carry out attacks, kidnappings, and robberies.
According to local sources, troops stationed in Kurawa town heard gunshots and immediately moved toward the area. Upon arrival, they met the armed men and engaged them in a fierce gun duel that lasted nearly an hour. The attackers later fled toward their hideouts, believed to be across a nearby stream that leads into a network of bush paths used by bandit groups.
Residents said the swift response of the soldiers prevented what could have been a major tragedy. The ambush point is known as a hotspot where bandits often block villagers travelling to markets or returning from farms.
A source familiar with the operation stated that the army recorded no casualties during the confrontation. Two civilians were injured during the attack but were quickly taken to the hospital, where they are reportedly responding well to treatment. All the traders caught in the ambush were rescued unharmed.
After the exchange of gunfire, troops conducted a search of the surrounding area. They recovered nine bodies of suspected bandits at the scene and discovered an additional four bodies in nearby bushes and along the stream. Community members say these fighters were likely part of the group that fled after coming under heavy military fire.
The soldiers also seized several weapons and motorcycles used by the attackers. The recovered items were taken to Kurawa for documentation and further investigation.
Local residents praised the troops for their bravery, noting that the number of neutralized suspects could help reduce the frequency of attacks in the area. Villages around Kurawa reportedly celebrated throughout the day in relief and gratitude for the successful operation.
The member representing Sabon Birni constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Boza, confirmed the incident and commended the military for its swift intervention. He said at least nine bodies believed to be those of the attackers had been recovered, although the number later increased as more searches were conducted.
“A lot of weapons and motorcycles were recovered from them,” he said. “I hope our army will sustain this tempo.”
Boza added that the attack was part of a worrying pattern that has put communities in Sabon Birni and surrounding areas under serious threat. He called for continued military pressure on the criminal groups terrorizing the region.
Sokoto State, particularly Sabon Birni, Isa, and Goronyo LGAs, has suffered persistent violence from armed groups commonly referred to as bandits. These groups carry out kidnappings, cattle rustling, extortion, and killings in rural communities. Over the past four years, thousands of residents have been displaced, and many villages have paid heavy “protection levies” to bandit groups in order to avoid attacks.
The bandits often operate across state borders, especially between Sokoto, Zamfara, and parts of Niger Republic. Their mobility and familiarity with difficult terrain make military operations challenging. The Tarah–Karawa route, where Monday’s attack occurred, is one of the vulnerable roads where villagers frequently report sightings of armed men.
Despite several military operations such as Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Sahara Storm, bandit groups have continued to form smaller cells that avoid direct confrontation with security forces. Monday’s gun battle, according to security analysts, shows that intensified patrols and quick response teams could help reduce the activities of these groups.
The successful rescue of the traders came less than 24 hours after bandits launched deadly attacks on Gatawa and Shalla villages in Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs. In those attacks, seven people were killed and several women abducted. The communities are still mourning their dead and searching for the kidnapped victims.
Residents say the latest ambush on traders is a reminder that the situation in the area remains extremely fragile. Many villagers, already living in fear, are hesitant to travel long distances without security escorts.
Some traders who survived Monday’s incident expressed shock and relief. One of them, who asked not to be named, said they thought it was the end when the armed men opened fire on their convoy. “If soldiers had not arrived quickly, many of us would not be alive today,” he said.
Following the successful operation, leaders in Sabon Birni and neighbouring communities have renewed demands for more permanent military posts along major routes used by traders and farmers. They also want joint operations with security forces in Zamfara and Katsina States, since many bandit groups move freely across borders.
As security forces continue to search for fleeing members of the gang, the people of Sabon Birni hope that the latest operation marks a turning point in the fight against banditry. While communities welcomed the army’s success, they fear the attackers may regroup and attempt fresh assaults.
