Four people died, when the Police, military ambushing bandits, rescued 32 kidnap victims

Four people were reportedly killed before security forces consisting of police and military carried out bandits who had kidnapped several victims and rustled animals around Maikujera Village, Rabah Local Government Area of ​​Sokoto State.

Agents of the state Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, rescued 32 kidnap victims and foiled the bandits’ operation.

A statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, on Monday said the operation was carried out following an emergency call reporting the movement of heavily armed bandits with grazing livestock and kidnapped victims.

The statement said police tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Response Unit, were quickly mobilized and, in coordination with the Army’s Forward Operating Bases, blocked the main escape route.

According to the statement, a heavy gunfight broke out when security forces confronted the bandits, and overwhelmed by superior firepower, the criminals abandoned the hostages and herded animals before fleeing into the forest.

“The subsequent search operation resulted in the rescue of 32 abductees, consisting of six adult males and 26 females, most of them children.

“The rescued victims have been evacuated to safety and are receiving medical and psychological support ahead of their reunification with their families. However, four people were confirmed dead before the arrival of security forces,” the statement said.