Police and soldiers in Sokoto have rescued five people kidnapped by suspected bandits on the Rabah–Maikujeru road. The abduction happened Thursday night in Rabah Local Government Area.
A Canter truck carrying charcoal was ambushed around 8:45pm. Armed gunmen blocked the route and opened fire before taking six passengers captive.
DSP Ahmad Rufa'i, the police command's spokesperson, disclosed the rescue operation. He said officers received the distress call and responded immediately with military backup.
Security teams clashed with the kidnappers in a firefight. According to Rufa'i, the bandits retreated into nearby bushes as a result.
Five victims walked free without injuries during the operation. Soldiers and police also recovered the Canter vehicle.
No security personnel or rescued hostages suffered casualties. But one of the six abductees remains unaccounted for.
Rufa'i noted the missing victim fled into the forest during the initial attack. Operatives are actively searching for this person in the dense vegetation.
Police have heightened patrols to catch the fleeing suspects. Neighbouring divisions received orders to tighten security and prevent bandit movements.
The command appealed to residents for cooperation and information. Officials believe community intelligence will help curb kidnapping and armed robbery in Sokoto.
