Armed residents of Shagari and Bimasa communities in Sokoto State launched a fierce counteroffensive against bandits on Thursday, killing at least 15 of the attackers and rescuing abducted relatives.
Sources said the villagers, wielding locally made weapons, pursued the assailants into the forest following repeated raids on Shagari and Tureta Local Government Areas.
In Bimasa, residents reportedly recovered stolen livestock, freed kidnapped persons, and captured one suspect alive, who was later paraded in the community.
Chairman of Tureta Local Government, Aliyu Tureta, confirmed the incident, stating that preliminary findings showed six bandits were killed, while several victims and cattle were recovered.
Community leaders, while commending the bravery of the villagers, warned of possible reprisals and appealed to the federal and state governments to bolster security in the area.
The Shagari axis has been plagued by a surge in violence, with recurrent attacks leading to mass abductions and displacement.
Last week, youths in the area staged protests, threatening to resort to armed self-defence if urgent measures were not taken.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu has assured residents of his administration’s resolve to support security agencies and restore peace, but locals remain wary, fearing further escalation without sustained intervention.