Joint security operatives in Sokoto State have rescued two kidnapped victims following a fierce gun duel with armed bandits in the Yabo Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, the operation was led by the Commander of 7 PMF, alongside a combined team of personnel from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and officers from the Yabo Division.
The security forces mobilized to the area after receiving intelligence reports that armed bandits and their captives were holding position in a village and its surrounding hills.
Upon arriving at Dan Tafki village and the adjacent hills opposite Binji Musa in Yabo LGA known operational bases for the criminal elements, the team came under heavy gunfire from the bandits.
Following a gun duel that lasted for several hours, the security operatives overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to flee the scene in disarray.
Two hostages, identified as Nafisa Abubakar and Aminu Sahabi, both from Dono village, were successfully rescued unharmed.
The Police revealed that the joint team subsequently destroyed the bandits’ silos and multiple hideouts.
The rescued victims were immediately transported to a hospital for medical attention and psychological support.
Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the professionalism, bravery, and seamless collaboration demonstrated by the operatives.
He reiterated the unwavering commitment of security forces to sustaining clearance operations against banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in the region.
Shaffa assured residents that security agencies would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to rid the area of criminal elements and safeguard lives and property.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest security post.
The Police confirmed that follow-up operations are currently underway to track down the fleeing bandits and dismantle any remaining criminal infrastructure in the area.
