Sokoto bandit attacks displace thousands, says NEMA

Sokoto Bandit Attacks Displace Thousands, Says NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that recent bandit attacks in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State have displaced thousands of residents, forcing them to flee their homes in search of safety.

This information was contained in a statement posted on Wednesday on NEMA’s official X handle, following an assessment conducted by its Sokoto Operations Office on those affected by the attacks.

NEMA Officials on visit to Bandits attacks community

The assessment came after a series of attacks on June 7 and 9, 2026, in Dan Gulbi community, where several lives were reportedly lost due to incursions by armed bandits.

NEMA’s findings revealed widespread displacement across the affected communities, with many residents seeking refuge in public facilities and neighboring settlements.

“Findings from the assessment revealed that the recurring attacks have displaced thousands of residents, forcing them to flee their homes in search of safety,” the agency said.

It added that many displaced persons are currently sheltering in Tureta town, particularly at JNI Primary School and Abdulbaki Model Primary School, while others have moved to Tsamiya Ward, Duma Ward, and neighboring communities within Tureta Local Government Area.

Some residents have also reportedly taken refuge in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

During the assessment, NEMA noted reports of another attack on Achi Asha Ruwa community, where additional casualties were recorded.

“The assessment further indicated that thousands of people have been affected by the violence, with some individuals sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

“Several shops and means of livelihood were also reportedly looted and destroyed during the attacks, worsening the humanitarian situation in the affected communities,” it stated.

The agency pointed out that access to some affected communities remains challenging due to ongoing security concerns, limiting humanitarian assessment and response efforts.

“The assessment team observed that access to several affected locations remains difficult due to prevailing security challenges, posing significant constraints to humanitarian assessment and response operations,” NEMA said.

It added that it is collaborating with relevant stakeholders and security agencies to determine the full extent of the impact and to support humanitarian interventions for the affected populations.