The Sokoto State Police Command, in collaboration with military personnel, has foiled a bandit attack along the Rabbah–Maikujeru village road in Sokoto State, rescuing five kidnapped victims unhurt and recovering their vehicle.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ahmad Rufa’i.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on Wednesday at about 8:45 p.m. when suspected bandits reportedly blocked the road, opened fire and abducted six persons travelling in a Canter truck loaded with charcoal.
Rufa’i explained that the police command swiftly deployed a joint team of tactical operatives alongside personnel from the military’s Forward Operating Base after receiving a distress call.
“Security operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel that lasted for a considerable period. The hoodlums were eventually overpowered and fled into the nearby forest,” he said.
The police spokesman added that five of the six abducted victims were rescued unharmed during the operation, while the Canter truck conveying them was also recovered.
“The rescued persons have been reunited with their families, and the vehicle is in police custody pending further investigation,” he stated.
Rufa’i further disclosed that security operatives had launched a search operation in the surrounding forest areas to locate the sixth victim, who reportedly fled into the bush while attempting to escape from the attackers.
“Efforts are also intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits,” he added.
According to the command, all neighbouring police divisions have been placed on alert and instructed to maintain heightened vigilance in case the attackers attempt to infiltrate nearby communities.
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
