Several suspected terrorists were reportedly killed on Wednesday after security forces repelled an attempt to overrun a military barracks in Sifawa, Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attackers were said to have stormed the area at about 10am from Horo village in neighbouring Shagari Local Government Area, before attempting to advance towards the military facility in Sifawa.

Security sources said soldiers and police personnel stationed in the community responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle, eventually forcing them to retreat.

A resident, who witnessed the incident, said two soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire and were subsequently evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.

“The security personnel fought bravely and resisted the attackers. The gun battle lasted for some time before the terrorists were forced to withdraw,” the resident said.

The source added that several of the attackers were believed to have been killed during the confrontation, while others fled into surrounding millet farms in an attempt to escape the advancing security forces.

A security source further disclosed that military air operations were underway in the surrounding bushes where the fleeing terrorists were believed to have taken refuge, with a ground operation expected to follow to flush them out.

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The incident also reportedly disrupted movement along the Sifawa–Birnin Kebbi road, leaving motorists and commuters stranded for several hours as security forces battled the attackers and secured the area.

Residents and motorists who witnessed the confrontation commended the security personnel for their response, describing the resistance as crucial in preventing the attackers from gaining access to the military facility.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the military, police or Sokoto State Government on the incident or the reported casualties.