“New Sokoto Kidnap Raid Signals Escalation in Wurno LGA Insecurity”

“New Sokoto Kidnap Raid Signals Escalation in Wurno LGA Insecurity”

Gunmen have abducted at least nine residents and injured two others in a late‑night assault on the Chacho community in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State, security and local sources confirmed on Thursday. The attack, which occurred around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, marks the latest in a spate of kidnappings and violent incursions afflicting rural communities in Nigeria’s North West.

According to relatives of the victims who spoke on condition of anonymity, the gunmen entered Chacho village via a route linked to the Sabon Birni forest  a known hideout for criminal gangs  and began indiscriminately firing before seizing villagers and retreating into surrounding bushland. Police have since launched a rescue operation for the abductees, though no official casualty figures or progress on the operation has been disclosed at the time of reporting.

The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident and said efforts are underway to secure the safe return of those taken. Officials also noted that the attackers continue to operate with mobility and relative impunity in poorly policed rural corridors.

This latest kidnapping adds to a troubling pattern in the region. In late November 2025, armed bandits similarly stormed Chacho village  and other communities in the area  abducting dozens of women and girls, including a bride and her bridesmaids, just hours before a wedding ceremony, according to multiple reports.

Security challenges in Sokoto reflect broader insecurity trends across Nigeria’s north‑western states, where criminal networks frequently launch raids to kidnap residents for ransom, disrupt social life, and undermine confidence in state protection. Analysts say the persistence of such attacks highlights gaps in coordinated response and community defence efforts.

State and federal authorities have not yet issued a unified statement on the Chacho attack or outlined specific measures to prevent further violence, even as communities brace for potential follow up raids.