Sokoto Police Rescues 32 Kidnap Victims, Foils Bandit Operation In Rabah
The Sokoto State Police Command has rescued thirty-two kidnapped victims and foiled a major bandit operation in Maikujera Village, Rabah Local Government Area, following a coordinated tactical operation involving the Police and the Nigerian Army.
A statement by the force says the operation followed a distress call received by the DPO reporting the movement of heavily armed bandits around the community, allegedly with rustled livestock and kidnapped victims.
Police tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Reaction Unit, swiftly mobilized and, in coordination with the Army Forward Operating Base, blocked the major escape routes.
A fierce gun battle ensued as the security forces confronted the bandits.
Overwhelmed by the superior firepower, the criminals abandoned the hostages and rustled animals before fleeing into the forest.
A subsequent search operation led to the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims, comprising six adult males and 26 females, most of them children.
The rescued victims were evacuated to safety and are receiving medical and psychological support ahead of their reunification with their families.
However, four persons were confirmed killed before the arrival of security forces.
