Law enforcement frees five abducted individuals in Sokoto

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The Sokoto State Police Command, in collaboration with the military, has foiled banditry attack along the Rabbah–Maikujeru village road in Sokoto State, rescuing five kidnapped victims unhurt and recovering their vehicle.

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According to a statement issued on Friday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, the incident occurred on Wednesday at about 8:45 p.m. when bandits reportedly blocked the road and opened fire before abducting six persons travelling in a Canter truck loaded with charcoal.

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Rufa’i said the command swiftly deployed a joint team of police tactical operatives and personnel from the military’s Forward Operating Base to the scene after receiving a distress call.

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“Security operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel that lasted for a considerable period. The hoodlums were eventually overpowered and fled into the nearby forest,” he said.

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He added that five of the six kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt during the operation, while the Canter vehicle used by the victims was also recovered.

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“The rescued persons have been reunited with their families, and the vehicle is in police custody pending further investigation,” he stated.

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The police spokesman further disclosed that security teams were combing the surrounding bushes in search of the sixth victim, who reportedly ran into the forest while trying to escape from the attackers.

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“Efforts are also intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits,” he added.

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Rufa’i noted that all neighbouring police divisions had been placed on alert and directed to maintain a high level of vigilance in case the criminals attempt to infiltrate other areas.

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He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention efforts.

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