Police Save 32 Kidnapped People in Sokoto, Stop Bandits

The Sokoto State Police have saved 32 people who were kidnapped and stopped a big bandit attack in Rabah Local Government Area. This happened after a security operation that included police teams and the military.

The operation occurred on Tuesday in Maikujera village, which is close to Zamfara State. The Divisional Police Officer in Rabah got a distress call that a large group of armed bandits had entered the area.

According to a statement from the state police spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, the attackers were moving with stolen livestock and many kidnapped victims. They also shot at residents during the attack.

The DPO quickly sent tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit (VCRU). They worked with the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) to stop the bandits from escaping.

The combined police and military teams fought the bandits in a strong gun battle. This forced the attackers to leave behind their captives and stolen animals as they ran into the forest.

After the fight, security operatives searched the nearby bushes and rescued all 32 kidnapped victims. “The rescued victims include six adult males and 26 females, most of whom are children. They have been taken to a safe place where they are getting medical and psychological support. They will be reunited with their families soon,” Rufai stated.

Sadly, the police reported that four people were killed by the bandits during the attack before the security forces arrived.

The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Shaffa, expressed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones. He promised that the police would find those responsible for the attack.

“The Commissioner of Police sends his deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased. He assures the public that we are working hard to track down the fleeing bandits,” the statement quoted him.

Shaffa also repeated the police's commitment to fighting banditry and kidnapping in the state. He encouraged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious people or activities to the nearest security agency.

This rescue comes as security operations continue against armed bandits in Sokoto and nearby Zamfara State.