The Sokoto State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped victims and destroyed several bandits’ hideouts during a joint clearance operation in Yabo Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, conducted at about 6:00 a.m. on November 8, 2026, targeted a notorious bandits’ hideout at Dan Tafki village and surrounding hills opposite Binji Musa, following credible intelligence on the presence of armed criminals and their captives.
The operation was led by the Commander of the 7 Police Mobile Force (7PMF), with personnel drawn from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Yabo Divisional Police Headquarters.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the security operatives came under heavy gunfire upon arriving at the location, resulting in an intense gun battle that lasted several hours.
However, the superior firepower and coordinated response of the security team forced the bandits to flee, abandoning their captives and criminal hideouts.
The operatives subsequently rescued two victims identified as Nafisa Abubakar and Aminu Sahabi, both residents of Dono Village.
The police also disclosed that several bandits’ hideouts and silos were destroyed by fire during the operation, in a move aimed at dismantling the criminals’ operational infrastructure.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a hospital, where they are receiving medical attention and psychological support.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the security personnel for their professionalism, bravery and effective collaboration.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining clearance operations against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
Shaffa assured residents that security agencies would intensify intelligence-led operations to eliminate criminal elements and safeguard lives and property.
He added that a follow-up operation had commenced to track down the fleeing bandits and dismantle any remaining criminal structures in the area.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities to the nearest security post.
Community leaders and other stakeholders were also encouraged to provide timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing efforts to apprehend the fleeing criminals and restore peace and security in the affected communities.
