Police operatives stop midnight bandit raid at the Kebbi border
In a country where we often hear news that makes the heart heavy, this weekend brings a bit of a “strong man” victory for our security forces. Around 9:45 pm on Friday, the Maje border road in Kebbi State became a battlefield, but this time, the story ended in favour of the law.
As a professional editor who keeps a close eye on the “koko” of national security, I find this particular intervention by the Nigeria Police Force Counter Terrorism Unit very commendable. We often talk about the challenges our officers face, but seeing them stand their ground against coordinated “wahala” in the middle of the night shows that the “ginger” to protect the land is still very much alive.
The bandits, reportedly linked to the notorious Lakurawa network, tried to use the cover of darkness and a herd of cattle to pull a fast one on our operatives, but the police were having none of it.
The tactical standoff along the Maje border corridor
The “real story” behind this repulsion is how the attackers tried to be clever. They didn’t just walk in; they moved a herd of cattle ahead of them to hide their movement and blend into the environment.
It was a classic “wuru-wuru” tactic designed to catch the security positions off guard. However, the Counter Terrorism Unit was already on high alert. When the bandits advanced, they were met with a superior “fire-for-fire” response.
According to the State Police Commissioner, Umar Mohammed Hadeija, the gun duel was intense, but the professional handling of the situation forced the criminals to turn back and “run for their lives.
” While a few temporary security structures took some hits, the most important thing is that no lives were lost, and no officer or civilian was injured. This is the kind of “sharp-sharp” response we need more of to keep our borders secure.
A stern warning against night grazing and suspicious cattle movement
Following this late-night encounter, Commissioner Hadeija has come out with some very clear “ground rules” to prevent a repeat of this scenario. He has warned all herders and livestock owners to stay away from night grazing.
In his words, moving cattle under conditions that create suspicion or provide cover for “bad eggs” will no longer be tolerated. It makes sense because when people are moving animals in the dead of night, it becomes very hard for security to distinguish between a genuine herder and a bandit looking for a way to strike.
The police have promised to take “firm and lawful action” against anyone who ignores this directive. This is a necessary move because the safety of the entire community is at stake, and we cannot afford any “paddy-paddy” arrangement when it involves the lives of citizens.
Restoring calm and confidence in the border communities
Right now, the Maje border area is “cool and calm,” with more reinforcements deployed to ensure the bandits don’t get the “liver” to try again.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, has also reassured everyone that the command is staying on its toes. For the residents of these border communities, this victory is a big relief.
We want a situation where a farmer or a trader can go about their business without looking over their shoulder every two minutes. By dismantling these attempts before they even reach the town, the police are rebuilding the trust that has been shaken by previous attacks.
It is my hope that this victory is just the beginning of a total “sweep out” of criminal elements in the North West. As we always say, the price of peace is eternal vigilance, and this time, the police truly “represented.”
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