Kebbi Police Repel Bandits in Zodi Village, Recover Livestock and Motorcycles
The Kebbi State Police Command has announced a significant operational success after officers of the No. 36 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, Birnin Kebbi, repelled an armed bandit attack in Zodi village, located in Zuru Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, adds to a series of ongoing confrontations between security forces and armed groups operating across parts of northwestern Nigeria.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the bandits invaded the community in large numbers and rustled an unspecified number of livestock. The police said distress calls were received quickly from residents, prompting an immediate deployment of PMF operatives to the area. Upon arrival, officers engaged the attackers in an intense gun battle. The exchange forced the bandits to retreat into the forest, with the police reporting that several of the assailants sustained gunshot wounds while others possibly suffered casualties before fleeing.
Following the confrontation, a coordinated search of the surrounding forest was conducted. During the search operation, officers recovered two motorcycles believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects, as well as ninety-six cows and forty-five sheep. The recovered livestock were handed over to the village head of Zodi for onward return to their rightful owners, while the motorcycles were transferred to the Divisional Police Officer in Zuru for further investigation.
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The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, commended the bravery and swift response of the PMF personnel. He urged officers across the command to remain vigilant and sustain their efforts in combating criminal activities affecting communities in Kebbi State. The police reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property while calling for continued public cooperation and timely security reporting.
However, news of the operation has generated a wide range of reactions from the public. Many commenters expressed frustration that despite repeated reports of “repelled attacks,” bandits continue to operate freely across northern states. One contributor questioned when the country would decisively end banditry rather than merely responding to attacks after they occur. Others shared personal fears about road travel, particularly during the upcoming holiday season, citing recurring security incidents along major northern routes.
Some respondents argued that the persistence of these attacks suggests deeper structural issues within the security system. They claimed that while tactical successes are commendable, there appear to be individuals or networks undermining broader efforts to end banditry. Others used sarcasm to criticize frequent references to attackers “escaping with gunshot wounds,” describing it as a recurring line in official security reports that rarely leads to arrests.
Additional reactions focused on the need for a more aggressive and intelligence-driven approach. Several commenters suggested that security forces should pursue bandits beyond reactive engagements by targeting them during their daily routines, relying more heavily on informants, local vigilantes, and community intelligence. The view that state and community policing could offer a lasting solution was echoed by others who argued that the attackers are not “ghosts” but members of communities who can be identified if local structures are empowered.
Some reactions took a critical tone toward the broader political climate, with commenters suggesting that banditry has become entangled with regional politics. Others questioned why Nigerian police could repel attacks, yet military units in some areas continue to face heavy casualties from similar groups.
Despite the varied opinions, a common sentiment across many responses is a desire for a more decisive, coordinated, and sustained security strategy that not only repels bandits but dismantles their operations and networks permanently.