11 vigilantes killed, several others missing in deadly gun battle with bandits in Sokoto

In Tangaza Local Government Council of Sokoto State in the North West, Nigeria, 11 local vigilantes were reportedly killed in deadly gun battle with suspected Lakurawa bandits.

Reports said several other members of vigilante group were still missing after gun duel.

The battle started on Friday, according to sources with two bodies, but death toll rose on Saturday after nine bodies were later recovered and identified as members of vigilantes.

This is even as dead bodies are believed to be in the dense Lakurawa forest enclave, as efforts are underway to retrieve them with the assistance of soldiers and security agencies from Binji and Racca.

Eyewitnesses said the confrontation began after local vigilantes foiled an attack on Magonho community, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The assailants, estimated to be around 40 in number, were heavily armed and arrived on 20 motorcycles. They rustled livestock from the village before retreating.

Troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Masallaci responded swiftly and pursued the bandits, successfully recovering some of the stolen animals.

However, the bandits later returned to Magonho village, opening fire and setting ablaze an MTN communication tower before fleeing once again.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, as authorities work to account for missing vigilantes and recover additional bodies.

The Police Command in Sokoto was yet to issue a statement as at press time.