At least four people have been killed by suspected bandits in Sokoto State, while a joint security operation involving the police and the military rescued 32 kidnapped victims during a gun battle with the attackers.
The Sokoto State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, by its spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai.
According to the police, the operation followed a distress call received at about 8:30 a.m. by the police in Rabah, reporting that a large group of armed bandits had invaded Maikujera Village in Rabah Local Government Area.
The police said intelligence reports indicated that the gunmen were moving towards the Zamfara State border with rustled livestock and several kidnapped residents,nwhile shooting sporadically at villagers.
Following the alert, the DPO mobilised tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit (VCRU), and coordinated with personnel of the army Forward Operating Base to block all possible escape routes.
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The combined security team reportedly engaged the bandits in a prolonged gunfight, forcing them to abandon their captives and the stolen livestock before fleeing into the forest.
“Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical manoeuvring of the combined security forces, the hoodlums abandoned their hostages and rustled animals, escaping into the forest,” the statement said.
The police said security operatives subsequently combed the surrounding bushes and rescued a total of 32 kidnapped victims, all of whom were found unharmed.
The rescued victims comprised six adult males and 26 females, most of whom were children.
According to the command, the victims have been evacuated to a safe location where they are receiving medical attention and psychological support ahead of their reunion with their families.
Despite the successful rescue operation, the police confirmed that four persons were killed by the bandits during the initial attack before security operatives arrived at the scene.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that efforts were underway to apprehend the fleeing attackers.
“The Sokoto State Police Command reaffirms its commitment to eradicating banditry and kidnapping in the state.
“We urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest security outpost,” the statement added.
