Sokoto Gun Battle: 32 Kidnap victims rescued as police, troops repel Bandits; four killed

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

A major kidnap operation by armed bandits was foiled in Sokoto State on Tuesday as security operatives rescued 32 abducted victims after a fierce gun battle in Rabah Local Government Area.

The operation, carried out by the Sokoto State Police Command in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, also led to the recovery of rustled livestock abandoned by the fleeing criminals.

The police, however, confirmed that four residents were killed by the bandits before security forces arrived at the scene.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, the incident occurred at Maikujera Village, a remote community bordering Zamfara State.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Rabah reportedly received a distress call around 8:30 a.m. that a large group of heavily armed bandits had invaded the village, abducted several residents and rustled livestock while shooting sporadically at villagers.

Acting swiftly, the DPO mobilised tactical units, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit (VCRU), and coordinated with troops of the nearby Army Forward Operating Base to block all escape routes.

Security operatives engaged the bandits in a prolonged gun duel, forcing the attackers to abandon their captives and flee into the forest under sustained pressure from the combined security team.

Following the exchange of fire, security personnel combed the surrounding bush and successfully rescued all 32 kidnapped victims.

The rescued victims comprised six adult males and 26 females, most of whom are children.

Police said all the victims were rescued unharmed and have been taken to a secure location, where they are receiving medical attention and psychological support before being reunited with their families.

Despite the successful rescue operation, the command disclosed that four persons lost their lives during the initial attack by the bandits before the arrival of security personnel.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The police urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest security agency to strengthen ongoing efforts to improve security in the state.