Security operatives have destroyed several bandits’ hideouts in Sokoto State following a gun battle that led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims in Yabo Local Government Area.
The operation, according to the Sokoto State Police Command, was carried out by a joint security team comprising personnel of the 7 Police Mobile Force, Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit and officers of the Yabo Division.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operation followed intelligence that armed bandits were holding captives in a village and surrounding hills.
He said the operatives mobilised to Dan Tafki Village and the surrounding hills opposite Binji Musa in Yabo LGA, where they encountered heavy gunfire from the suspected bandits.
According to him, the confrontation lasted several hours before the security team overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to flee.
Two hostages, identified as Nafisa Abubakar and Aminu Sahabi, both from Dono Village, were subsequently rescued unharmed.
The police spokesman added that the operatives destroyed silos and several structures being used as hideouts by the bandits during the operation.
He said the rescued victims had been taken to hospital for medical attention and psychological support.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the operatives for their bravery, professionalism and collaboration during the operation.
Shaffa reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining operations against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements to the nearest security post.
The statement added that follow-up operations had commenced to track down the fleeing bandits and dismantle their remaining criminal networks.
