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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police Rescue 32 Kidnap Victims, Foil Bandit Attack in Sokoto Community

From ThisDay · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Police in Sokoto State, Nigeria, rescued 32 kidnap victims, including 26 females and children, during an operation against armed bandits.
  • The operation involved tactical police units and the army, who engaged the bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their hostages and stolen livestock.
  • While all 32 hostages were rescued unharmed, four individuals were killed by the bandits before security forces intervened; investigations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.

Sokoto State Police Command successfully rescued 32 individuals abducted by armed bandits in Maikujera Village, Rabah Local Government Area. The operation, launched after a distress call, saw police tactical teams and the army establish blocking positions to prevent the bandits' escape.

The Divisional Police Officer of Rabah immediately mobilized tactical teams including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit, VCRU.

— DSP Ahmad RufaiStatement detailing the police response to the distress call.

Security forces engaged the bandits in a prolonged gunfight. Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the assailants fled into the forest, abandoning the hostages and rustled livestock. A subsequent search confirmed all 32 victims, comprising six men and 26 females, mostly children, were rescued unhurt.

Overwhelmed by superior firepower and tactical maneuvering, the hoodlums abandoned both their hostages and the rustled animals before fleeing into the surrounding forest.

— DSP Ahmad RufaiStatement describing the outcome of the gun duel with the bandits.

Tragically, four people were killed by the bandits during the initial assault before security forces arrived. Police Commissioner Hayatu Hassan Shaffa extended condolences to the families of the deceased and vowed to track down the perpetrators. The Rabah LGA, situated on the volatile Sokoto-Zamfara border, has experienced a recent surge in banditry, cattle rustling, and mass abductions.

The rescued persons have since been evacuated to a safe location where they are receiving medical and psychological support.

— DSP Ahmad RufaiStatement on the condition and immediate care of the rescued victims.

The rescued victims are receiving medical and psychological support, with arrangements underway for their reunification with families. The Police Command reiterated its commitment to eradicating banditry and kidnapping in Sokoto State, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

— CP Hayatu Hassan ShaffaPolice Commissioner's statement regarding the casualties.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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