Joint efforts by Nigerian police tactical teams and military personnel have resulted in the rescue of 32 kidnapped individuals in Sokoto State. The intervention also successfully disrupted a large-scale bandit attack in the Rabah Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson DSP Ahmad Rufai confirmed the incident occurred on Tuesday within Maikujera, a village located near the border of Zamfara State. Authorities acted on intelligence reports indicating that armed criminals had raided the community, seizing livestock and local residents while firing shots indiscriminately.
The Divisional Police Officer in Rabah deployed specialized units, including the Anti-Kidnapping and Violent Crime Reaction squads, working in tandem with the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base to cut off the bandits’ retreat. A heavy firefight ensued, prompting the assailants to leave behind their captives and stolen animals as they retreated into the wilderness.
Security forces successfully recovered all 32 victims, including six men and 26 women and children, who are currently receiving care before reuniting with their families. Tragically, four civilians lost their lives during the initial raid before police reached the village.
State Commissioner of Police Hayatu Shaffa offered condolences to the victims’ families and vowed to apprehend those responsible. He urged the public to stay alert and notify authorities of any suspicious activity to help combat regional crime.
