Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nigerian Army troops under Operation Hadarin Daji have successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on Garin Hillo community in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following an armed incursion that triggered a heavy exchange of gunfire and left several civilians injured before security forces regained full tactical control of the area.
The attack occurred on April 17, 2026, when an estimated 30 armed terrorists reportedly stormed the rural settlement in what security sources described as a sudden and aggressive raid targeting civilians and attempting to overrun the community. Residents were forced to flee into nearby bushes and surrounding areas as gunfire erupted across different parts of the village.
Military authorities confirmed that troops of the 8 Division were immediately mobilised after receiving distress reports from the affected area. Reinforcement units were deployed rapidly to intercept the attackers and prevent further escalation of violence within the community.
Upon arrival, the troops engaged the armed group in a sustained firefight that lasted several minutes. The intensity of the exchange forced the attackers to abandon their positions and retreat into nearby forests and difficult terrain, where follow-up operations are currently ongoing.
Security officials described the response as swift and coordinated, noting that the attackers were unable to maintain their offensive due to the superior firepower and tactical positioning of the responding troops. The intervention is being credited with preventing what could have resulted in higher civilian casualties and possible destruction of property within the village.
Despite the successful repulsion of the attackers, six civilians sustained injuries during the incident. Preliminary accounts indicate that the victims were caught in the crossfire as the confrontation unfolded in and around residential areas, leading to panic and confusion among residents.
Local sources reported that the injured individuals suffered varying degrees of gunshot wounds and trauma-related injuries as they attempted to escape the scene of the attack. The victims were quickly evacuated by military personnel and local responders to nearby medical facilities, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Authorities have not released the identities of the injured civilians, but medical personnel confirmed that they are being stabilised and monitored. Community members have expressed concern over the recurring nature of such attacks in the region and the vulnerability of rural settlements to armed incursions.
Following the incident, troops have maintained a strong operational presence in Garin Hillo and surrounding communities within the Sabon Birni axis. Patrols have been intensified, with additional clearance operations underway to prevent regrouping or further infiltration by fleeing attackers.
Military sources indicated that the ongoing operation is part of broader efforts to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement in border communities across Sokoto State, an area that has continued to experience repeated security challenges due to its proximity to porous borders and difficult terrain.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that its forces remain fully deployed in the region and are working in collaboration with other security agencies to track down the attackers. Intelligence-led operations are currently being conducted to identify escape routes and possible hideouts used by the fleeing armed group.
Security analysts note that the Sokoto axis, particularly Sabon Birni and adjoining local government areas, has remained a hotspot for insurgent activity, with armed groups exploiting remote landscapes and limited infrastructure to carry out hit-and-run attacks on civilian populations.
These attacks have often resulted in loss of lives, displacement of communities, and disruption of local economic activities, particularly farming, which is the main source of livelihood in the area. Residents have repeatedly called for stronger security presence and improved rapid response mechanisms to curb the frequency of such incidents.
Military authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustaining pressure on armed groups operating in the region. They assured residents that ongoing operations are aimed at restoring long-term stability and preventing future attacks through continuous patrols, intelligence gathering, and coordinated offensive measures.
The Army also urged members of the public to support security operations by providing timely and credible information that could assist in identifying suspicious movements or planned attacks. Officials emphasised that community cooperation remains a critical component in the fight against terrorism and banditry in the region.
As of the time of filing this report, security in Garin Hillo has been described as calm but heavily monitored, with troops maintaining dominance of the area while search-and-clear operations continue in surrounding forests believed to be escape routes for the attackers.
Residents are gradually returning to their homes under military supervision, although tension remains high due to uncertainty over possible regrouping of the fleeing armed men.
The Nigerian Army has assured that updates will be provided as operations progress, while reaffirming its determination to neutralise threats and safeguard civilian populations in Sokoto State and other affected parts of the North-West region.
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