The police in Sokoto State have rescued two kidnap victims during an operation that destroyed bandit hideouts in Yabo Local Government Area. This operation took place in the early hours of November 9, 2026, in the village of Dan Tafki and nearby hills.
The police operation was led by the Commander of the 7PMF, with assistance from the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and Yabo Division. According to Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, the operation was launched after receiving credible intelligence about armed bandits and their captives in the region.
Upon arrival, the police came under fire, resulting in a prolonged gunfight that ultimately led to the bandits fleeing and abandoning their captives. Two victims, identified as Nafisa Abubakar and Aminu Sahabi from Dono village, were rescued and taken to hospital for medical and psychological support.
The operation also involved setting fire to silos and several bandit hideouts. Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, praised the officers for their bravery and coordination, assuring the public that security forces would continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations against banditry and kidnapping.
A follow-up operation is underway to track down the fleeing bandits and dismantle their remaining infrastructure. The police have urged local residents and community leaders to provide credible information and report any suspicious activity to security personnel.
