SOKOTO STATE POLICE RESCUES 32 KIDNAP VICTIMS, FOIL BANDITS' OPERATION
The Sokoto State Police Command says it has rescued thirty-two kidnapped victims during a coordinated security operation in Maikujera village of Rabah Local Government Area.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sokoto State Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai says the operation follows a distress call received by the Divisional Police Officer, Rabah Division, reporting the activities of heavily armed bandits who invaded the community with rustled livestock and several kidnapped victims while shooting sporadically.
It states that the Police swiftly deployed Tactical Teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Forward Operation Base to strategic locations to block all escape routes.
The combined security team engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to abandon their captives and the rustled animals before fleeing into the forest.
A subsequent search operation led to the rescue of thirty-two victims, comprising six adult males and twenty-six females, most of whom are children.
The statement adds that the rescued victims have been taken to a safe location for medical attention and psychological support ahead of their reunion with their Families.
Meanwhile, four persons lost their lives during the initial attack by the bandits before the arrival of security operatives.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commiserated with the families of the deceased and assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
The Police Command also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies as efforts to rid the Ssate of banditry and other violent crimes continue.
