Date: July 27, 2026
By Kimberly Wilson
SOKOTO, Nigeria — At least four people were killed and several others injured after scores of heavily armed bandits disguised in military uniforms attacked Unguwan Lalle community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, less than an hour after soldiers who had earlier responded to a security incident left the area. The attackers also looted homes, shops, and livestock during the nearly six-hour assault.
According to residents, the attackers estimated to number about 200 stormed the community at around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday and remained there until approximately 2:00 a.m. on Monday. Witnesses said the gunmen wore military uniforms, causing many villagers to initially believe they were genuine security personnel.
One resident described how the deception quickly turned into a deadly assault.
"We initially believed they were soldiers because they were dressed in military uniforms. But within moments, they surrounded the village, opened fire on anyone attempting to escape, ransacked our homes, looted our shops and made away with our livestock," the resident told SaharaReporters.
The victims were identified as Bilyaminu Wakkala and Danbaki Tulunawa, while the identities of two other victims from the neighboring Kongurus community had not yet been officially confirmed at the time of reporting. Residents explained that the two victims from Kongurus often spent nights in Unguwan Lalle because of persistent attacks in their own village, returning home only during daylight hours.
Survivors said the attack began less than an hour after soldiers left the community following an earlier security operation. Residents questioned how such a large group of armed attackers was able to invade the village almost immediately after the military withdrawal, renewing concerns about security coverage in the area.
During the raid, the attackers reportedly fired indiscriminately, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes while others remained trapped inside their homes. In addition to killing residents, the bandits looted shops, stole food supplies, and carted away an unspecified number of livestock before retreating in the early hours of Monday morning.
Community leaders said the latest attack has deepened fear among residents of Sabon Birni, one of the local government areas in Sokoto State that has repeatedly experienced armed raids, killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling in recent years. Many families are now considering relocating to safer areas because of the persistent insecurity.
The incident adds to a growing series of attacks across northwestern Nigeria, where armed criminal groups have increasingly targeted rural communities despite ongoing military operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other security initiatives. Security experts warn that the use of military uniforms by attackers poses an additional challenge, making it more difficult for civilians to distinguish between genuine security personnel and armed groups.
As of the time of reporting, security authorities had not released an official statement detailing the incident or confirming whether any rescue or pursuit operations had resulted in arrests. Residents have called on the federal and state governments to strengthen security deployments and provide continuous protection for vulnerable communities across the region.
The attack is the latest reminder of the ongoing security crisis affecting parts of northwestern Nigeria, where repeated raids continue to claim lives, displace families, and disrupt livelihoods. Community members are urging authorities to intensify military operations and ensure a sustained security presence to prevent similar attacks in the future.