The Sokoto State Police Command has rescued 32 abductees from a gang of bandits following a clash with the kidnappers aimed at curbing terrorism in the area and it’s environs.
The police operatives engaged in a fierce gun battle and gained control over the insurgents after which they they rescued the victims comprised of six adult men and 26 females, most of whom were children.
The successful operation also led to the recovery of rustled livestock after the bandits abandoned both their captives and stolen animals while fleeing from superior police firepower.
The security agency held that the rescue, on Tuesday, followed the swift deployment of tactical teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit (VCRU), working alongside troops of the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base (FOB).
It added that the bandits invaded Maikujera village in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, a community located near the Zamfara State border, rustled livestock and abducted the residents and fired sporadically before security forces responded.
According to the command, security personnel mounted strategic roadblocks and confronted the fleeing attackers in a prolonged exchange of gunfire, forcing them to retreat into a nearby forest.
“The combined security team engaged the bandits decisively, and they abandoned the kidnapped victims and stolen livestock before escaping due to the overwhelming response of our operatives,” Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, said.
Rufai said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Rabah received a distress call at about 8:30 a.m. and immediately mobilised the tactical teams to intercept the fleeing criminals.
Following the gun battle, security operatives combed the surrounding bushes and successfully rescued all 32 abducted victims unharmed.
“The victims have been moved to a secure location where they are receiving medical care and psychological support ahead of their reunion with their families,” the police spokesman added.
Despite the successful rescue, the command confirmed that four residents lost their lives during the initial attack before security operatives arrived at the scene.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hayatu Shaffa, sympathised with the families of those killed and assured residents that security agencies were intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing bandits.
“We remain committed to eliminating banditry and kidnapping across Sokoto State. Our operatives are on the trail of the suspects, and we urge residents to continue providing timely information that will support ongoing security operations,” the commissioner said.