Police rescue 32 kidnap victims in Sokoto

From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command, has successfully rescued 32 kidnap victims and prevented a major bandits’ operation in a coordinated tactical response at Maikujera Village, Rabah Local Government Area.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Sokoto by the spokesperson of the command, DSP Ahmed Rufai.
It added, “At about 08:30 hours today, Dpo Rabah received a distress call reporting a large contingent of bandits operating around Maikujera.
“ Intelligence indicated that the hoodlums were moving with rustled livestock and multiple kidnapped hostages while firing sporadically into the air and at residents.
“Upon receipt of the information, the Dpo immediately mobilized all available tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Reaction Unit (VCRU), and coordinated with the nearby Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) established blocking positions at all exit routes from the village to prevent the bandits from escaping with their victims.
“The teams engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel that lasted for an extended period.
“Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical maneuvering of the combined security forces, the hoodlums abandoned their hostages and rustled animals, escaping into the forest.”
According to the statement, in the aftermath of the engagement, security operatives conducted a thorough search of the bush and surrounding areas to rescue those who had fled for shelter.
The statement continued, “A total of thirty-two (32) kidnap victims were rescued unhurt.”
It stated that the rescued individuals comprised of six adult males and twenty-six females, the majority of whom are children.
According to the statement, “All rescued victims have been evacuated to a safe location and are currently receiving medical and psychological support. They will be reunited with their families shortly.
“Tragically, four persons were confirmed shot and killed by the bandits during the initial attack before security forces arrived.
“ The Commissioner of Police Cp Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, psc, mnips extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing perpetrators.
“The Sokoto State Police Command reaffirms its commitment to eradicating banditry and kidnapping in the state.
“We urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest security outpost.”