Police Rescue 32 Kidnap Victims, Foil Bandit Operation in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command has rescued 32 kidnapped victims following a coordinated security operation that also disrupted a major bandit operation in Rabah Local Government Area of the state. The rescue was carried out after armed bandits reportedly invaded Maikujera village, abducting dozens of residents and rustling livestock before attempting to flee.

According to the command's spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, the Divisional Police Officer in Rabah quickly mobilised tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit, while working with personnel of the Nigerian Army's Forward Operating Base to block the bandits' escape routes. The joint operation led to a fierce gun battle with the attackers.

The security operatives forced the bandits to abandon the kidnapped victims and the stolen livestock before fleeing into the surrounding forest. A subsequent search of the area resulted in the successful rescue of all 32 abductees, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.

The police commended the swift collaboration between security agencies, describing the operation as another significant breakthrough in the fight against banditry and kidnapping in the North-West. Residents were also urged to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.

The latest operation highlights continued efforts by security agencies to combat banditry in Sokoto and neighbouring states, where authorities have intensified intelligence-led operations to improve public safety and protect vulnerable communities.