Over 150 Suspected Gunmen Drown in Sokoto Boat Mishap

Over 150 Suspected Gunmen Drown in Sokoto Boat Mishap

No fewer than 150 suspected bandits are feared dead after a boat conveying them capsized in Sabon Gida area of Sokoto State, in what could mark a major setback for criminal groups operating in the North-West.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Saturday evening, involved a large number of armed men said to be travelling together across a waterway when the vessel suddenly overturned.

Sources familiar with the development said the boat was overloaded, and many of the occupants were unable to swim, leading to heavy casualties.

“Preliminary information suggests that most of them drowned because they could not swim,” a source disclosed.

Initial reports indicate that none of the passengers survived the accident, although security agencies have yet to issue an official confirmation as of the time of filing this report.

The circumstances surrounding the movement of such a large group of suspected bandits have also raised concerns among residents and security observers, especially in a region that has witnessed persistent attacks linked to armed groups.

If confirmed, the incident is expected to significantly weaken bandit networks in parts of Sokoto and neighbouring states, where security forces have been battling kidnapping and rural violence.

Authorities are said to be monitoring the situation closely, while further details are expected as investigations continue.