By Emmanuel Onyedika
Sokoto State has been thrown into mourning following the deaths of three soldiers and two policemen in separate operations against bandits.
According to a statement released Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Rtd Col. Ahmed Usman, three soldiers lost their lives when their operational vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Isa–Bargaja axis. In another incident, two policemen were killed in a bandits’ ambush in Tureta Local Government Area.
Usman described the fallen personnel as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fatherland. “These brave men made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fatherland. Their dedication, patriotism and courage will remain a source of inspiration, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he said.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Police Force, praying for strength for those left behind. Despite the losses, Usman commended security agencies for recording fresh successes in the fight against banditry across the state, noting that recent operations had led to the rescue of kidnapped victims and the neutralization of several bandits.
“The recent operational successes recorded by our security agencies are encouraging and demonstrate their unwavering determination to protect lives and secure our communities,” he added, while urging agencies to sustain the momentum and intensify offensives against criminal elements threatening peace and stability.