Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, has narrowly escaped harm after suspected gunmen opened fire on his convoy near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 PM on Friday, October 30, 2026. According to reports, the attack took place shortly after Dan’iya had escorted the former Governor of Sokoto State and current Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the airport.
While the candidate escaped unhurt, several bulletproof Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in his motorcade sustained noticeable bullet damage during the sustained shooting.
In an official statement released shortly after the attack, media aide to the candidate, Aminu Abdullahi, alleged that personnel from local security outfits, specifically the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard, initiated the confrontation.
Abdullahi stated that these personnel blocked Dan’iya’s convoy as it attempted to exit the airport area, reportedly claiming they were acting under directives from their superiors to prevent ADC members from moving freely or operating in the state.
”Attempts by members of Hon. Dan’iya’s security detail to peacefully resolve the deliberate blockade failed before gunshots were directed at the convoy,” Abdullahi asserted in the statement. Reports also indicated that two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives attached to the candidate’s security team were temporarily detained during the chaos surrounding the incident.
Confirming the attack, the Public Relations Officer for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufae, stated that the command had received a formal report regarding the shooting incident near the airport.
”The command has been briefed on the incident at the airport axis on Friday night and has commenced an immediate investigation,” DSP Rufae confirmed. “We will take all necessary action to get to the bottom of the matter, and anyone found culpable will be arrested and dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.”
The attack comes amid heightened political tensions and security concerns within the state ahead of upcoming electoral engagements. As of Saturday morning, security around major transit hubs and political party venues across Sokoto has been visibly reinforced while investigations continue.
