Police rescue 32 kidnap victims, foil bandit operation in Sokoto

Following a coordinated security operation involving police tactical teams and the military, the Sokoto State Command of the Nigeria Police Force said it has rescued 32 kidnapped victims and foiled a major bandit operation in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

In a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, the command said the operation took place on Tuesday in Maikujera village, a remote community bordering Zamfara State, following intelligence received by the Divisional Police Officer in Rabah that a large group of armed bandits had invaded the area.

The statement added that the attackers were moving with rustled livestock and dozens of abducted victims while shooting sporadically at residents.

According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer immediately mobilised tactical units, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit (VCRU), and coordinated with the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) to block all possible escape routes.

The security operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing the attackers to abandon their captives and stolen livestock before fleeing into the forest.

Following the exchange, security operatives combed the surrounding bushes and rescued all 32 kidnapped victims.

“The rescued victims comprise six adult males and 26 females, the majority of whom are children. They have been evacuated to a safe location, where they are receiving medical and psychological support and will be reunited with their families shortly,” Rufai said.

The police, however, disclosed that four persons were killed by the bandits during the initial attack before security operatives arrived at the scene.

The command said the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Shaffa, expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and assured residents that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

It added that he reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating banditry and kidnapping across the state.

Shaffa urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest security agency.