Security operatives in Sokoto State have rescued 32 kidnapped victims and disrupted a major bandit operation in Maikujera Village, Rabah Local Government Area of the state.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Sokoto State Police Command in collaboration with the Nigerian Army following a distress call about the movement of heavily armed bandits allegedly transporting rustled livestock and kidnapped victims.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, said tactical teams from the command were immediately deployed to the area.
The teams, which included personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Violent Crime Reaction Unit, reportedly worked with troops from the Army Forward Operating Base to block major escape routes available to the bandits.
Gun Battle With Bandits
According to the police, the security forces engaged the armed criminals in a fierce gun battle after confronting them.
The bandits, reportedly overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces, abandoned the kidnapped victims and rustled animals before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
A subsequent search operation led to the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims, comprising six adult males and 26 females, most of whom were children.
The rescued victims were evacuated to a safe location where they are receiving medical and psychological support.
The police said arrangements were being made to reunite the victims with their families after the necessary procedures.
Four Victims Confirmed Dead
Despite the successful rescue operation, the police confirmed that four people were killed before the arrival of the security forces.
The command said the operation demonstrated the importance of rapid response and coordination between security agencies in tackling banditry and kidnapping in the state.
Security personnel are expected to continue operations in the surrounding areas in an effort to track down the fleeing bandits and prevent further attacks on communities.
