Tension has gripped Sifawa town in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as suspected bandits were sighted moving large herds of cattle through the community in broad daylight, raising fresh fears of an impending security threat in the area.

A security source, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, said the movement of the cattle was followed by a fierce engagement between the bandits and forward operating troops deployed in Sifawa.

The source said the military contingent, operating from the Sifawa axis, was currently engaging the suspected bandits in an ongoing operation as of the time of filing this report.

The development has reportedly heightened anxiety among residents and farming communities around Sifawa, with security forces said to be maintaining active operations to prevent the criminals from gaining further access to vulnerable communities.

The source further disclosed that public announcements were being made across the area, directing farmers whose millet farms are located along the frontline to immediately harvest their crops and vacate areas considered vulnerable to the ongoing military engagement.

The emergency directive is believed to be a precautionary measure aimed at protecting farmers from being caught in the crossfire as troops intensify efforts to confront the bandits.

Residents in the affected communities have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid approaching the operational area, and comply strictly with security instructions as the military engagement continues.

Sifawa, a prominent community in Bodinga Local Government Area, has in recent years remained strategically important in the security architecture of the area, particularly because of its proximity to communities and farming settlements vulnerable to bandit activities.

The latest development has once again underscored the growing security challenges confronting rural communities in Sokoto State, where bandit groups have continued to exploit vast farming areas and difficult terrain to move men, livestock, and other resources.

The source appealed to residents to remain calm but vigilant, stressing that the presence of the military was intended to prevent the suspected criminals from advancing into populated communities.

The identity and strength of the bandits involved in the movement could not be immediately established, while details of casualties or the outcome of the ongoing engagement were also unavailable as of the time of filing this report.

The situation remains fluid, with the military operation reportedly still ongoing.

Sifawa town is about 20 kilometres from Sokoto, the state capital.

Contacted on the issue, the Police Spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufa’i, confirmed the story, saying the command had already swung into action and operatives had been deployed to the area.

He added that personnel were on top of the situation at the time of filing this report.

Rufa’i further maintained that the operatives had taken proactive measures to ensure peace and order in the area and appealed to Sokoto residents to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel to ensure the security of lives and property across the state.

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