The Sokoto State Police Command says it has rescued 32 kidnapped victims and foiled a major bandit operation in Maikujera Village, Rabah Local Government Area, following a joint tactical operation with the Nigerian Army.

The Command disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to the police, the operation was launched after a distress call was received by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, reporting the movement of heavily armed bandits in the community with rustled livestock and abducted persons.

Police tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit, were immediately mobilized. In coordination with troops of the Army Forward Operating Base, they blocked major escape routes leading out of the area.

A fierce gun battle ensued as security forces engaged the bandits. Overpowered by superior firepower, the criminals abandoned the hostages and stolen animals and fled into the forest.

A subsequent search operation led to the rescue of 32 victims, comprising 6 adult males and 26 females, most of whom are children.

The rescued persons have been evacuated to safety and are receiving medical and psychological support ahead of reunification with their families.

The police confirmed that 4 persons were killed by the bandits before the arrival of security forces.

Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing bandits, the Command added.

Source: Sokoto State Police Command.