Police and Army Rescue 32 Kidnap Victims in Sokoto

On Tuesday, the Sokoto State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, rescued 32 kidnapped victims in Maikujera village, Rabah Local Government Area. The operation was initiated after a distress call to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) reported an armed bandit invasion.

DSP Ahmad Rufai stated that the bandits were firing indiscriminately while attempting to escape with their captives and stolen livestock. The DPO deployed tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit (VCRU), alongside personnel from the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), who set up strategic roadblocks.

A prolonged gun battle ensued, leading to the bandits abandoning their hostages and livestock. All 32 victims, consisting of six adult males and 26 females, mostly children, were rescued and moved to a safe location for medical attention and support.

Tragically, four residents were killed during the initial attack. Commissioner of Police Hayatu Hassan Shaffa expressed condolences to the victims' families and reaffirmed the commitment to combat banditry in Sokoto State.