Sokoto: Police foil bandits’ attack, rescue 5 kidnapped victims
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
Operatives attached to Rabah Division, in collaboration with the military, have successfully foiled an armed banditry attempt along the Rabbah-Maikujera village road, rescuing five kidnapped victims unhurt and recovering their vehicle.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, issued on Friday in Sokoto.
The statement said that a distress call was received on 07 May 2026 at about 20:45 hours, reporting that a large number of armed bandits had blocked the Rabbah-Maikujeru road.
It added, “The hoodlums were shooting sporadically before kidnapping six persons who were traveling in a Canter motor vehicle loaded with charcoal.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Police immediately mobilized a joint team of police tactical units and the military Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the scene.
“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.
“During the operation, five of the six kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, and the Canter vehicle was recovered. No casualty or injury was sustained by any member of the security team or rescued victims.
“The rescued persons have been reunited with their families, and the vehicle is in police custody pending further investigation, security teams are currently combing the bushes in search of the sixth victim, who reportedly ran into the forest to escape from the hoodlums.
“Efforts are also intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits.”
According to the statement, all neighboring police divisions have been placed on alert and directed to maintain a high level of vigilance, as the bandits may attempt to infiltrate their areas of operation (AOR).
It added, “A lookout notice has also been issued for the suspects.
“The Police Command reaffirms its commitment to the safety of lives and property and urges members of the public to continue providing timely information that will assist in crime prevention and control.”
