Police, Troops Foil Bandits’ Attack in Sokoto, Rescue Five Kidnap Victims

By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command, in collaboration with the military, has foiled a bandits’ attack along the Rabah–Maikujera road in Rabah Local Government Area, rescuing five kidnapped victims and recovering a stolen vehicle.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Sokoto.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, at about 8:45 p.m., when armed bandits reportedly blocked the Rabah–Maikujera road and opened fire on commuters.

The attackers were said to have abducted six persons travelling in a Canter truck loaded with charcoal.

Rufa’i explained that following a distress call, the police swiftly mobilised tactical operatives alongside personnel from the military Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the scene.

He said the joint security team engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing the criminals to flee into a nearby forest after being overpowered.

“During the operation, five of the six kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, while the Canter vehicle was successfully recovered,” the statement said.

The police added that no casualty was recorded among security personnel or the rescued victims.

According to the Command, the rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while the recovered vehicle remains in police custody pending further investigation.

The statement further revealed that security operatives are currently combing surrounding forests in search of the remaining victim, who reportedly escaped into the bush during the attack.

It added that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Command also disclosed that all neighbouring police divisions have been placed on high alert to prevent the bandits from infiltrating other areas.

“A lookout notice has been issued for the fleeing suspects, while security surveillance has been intensified across affected communities,” the statement added.

The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.