Five Victims Freed After Bandit Attack Along Sokoto Road

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine

Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of five kidnapped victims following a joint security operation carried out alongside military personnel after a bandit attack along the Rabbah–Maikujeru road in Sokoto State.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmad Rufa’i. According to the statement, the victims were rescued after armed bandits reportedly attacked travellers and abducted several persons along the road linking Rabbah and Maikujeru communities. 

Police authorities explained that security operatives quickly launched a coordinated response involving both police tactical teams and military personnel immediately after receiving reports of the attack. The operation reportedly led to the successful rescue of five victims from the kidnappers. 

The command stated that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing attackers and ensure the arrest of those responsible for the abduction operation. Security personnel were also said to have intensified patrols and surveillance within the affected axis to prevent further attacks.

Sokoto State remains one of the northwestern states facing persistent insecurity linked to banditry, kidnappings and attacks on rural communities and highways. Several roads connecting remote communities have repeatedly witnessed ambushes and abductions carried out by heavily armed groups operating across forested areas.

The Rabbah–Maikujeru route has reportedly experienced security concerns in the past, with travellers and residents often expressing fears over attacks and kidnappings along parts of the corridor.

Authorities in Sokoto and neighbouring states have in recent months intensified joint security operations involving the police, military, vigilantes and other security agencies as part of broader efforts to combat armed banditry in the region.

Residents and local leaders have repeatedly called for stronger security deployment and sustained operations to secure major highways and vulnerable communities affected by criminal activities.

At the time of filing this report, the identities of the rescued victims had not been officially disclosed publicly, while police authorities said investigations and pursuit operations were continuing.

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