The Sokoto State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped persons after engaging suspected bandits in a fierce gun battle in Yabo Local Government Area of the state.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Sunday, November 8, following intelligence reports that armed criminals were keeping some victims at Dan Tafki village and nearby hills opposite Binji Musa.
The operation involved personnel from the 7 Police Mobile Force, Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Yabo Police Division.
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The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday. He explained that the security operatives came under heavy attack shortly after reaching the suspected bandits’ hideout.
According to him, the exchange of gunfire continued for several hours before the officers overpowered the attackers through coordinated efforts and superior firepower.
The suspected bandits reportedly fled the area, abandoning their hideout and the kidnapped victims.
The rescued persons were identified as Nafisa Abubakar and Aminu Sahabi, both from Dono village. Police said they were found unharmed and taken to a hospital for medical attention and psychological support.
During the operation, the security team also destroyed several structures allegedly used by the criminals as shelters, including silos.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the officers for their bravery, professionalism and cooperation during the operation.
He assured residents that the command would sustain its efforts to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities across the state.
Shaffa further disclosed that another operation had been launched to track down the fleeing suspects and destroy any remaining facilities linked to the criminal group.
The police urged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in locating and arresting the suspects.
Members of the public were also advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest security formation.
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