Police rescue eight kidnap victims, recover 689 rustled animals in Sokoto

Sokoto State Police Command has rescued eight kidnapped victims, recovered 689 rustled domestic animals and arrested suspected kidnappers, bandits and criminal collaborators during a series of operations across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists in Sokoto on the Command’s security operations carried out between May and July 2026.

Shaffa said coordinated operations involving police tactical teams and other security agencies foiled several bandit attacks in Tangaza, Wamakko, Tureta, Bodinga and other parts of the state, leading to the recovery of 689 stolen domestic animals, which have since been returned to their rightful owners.

He said six travellers abducted along the Rabah-Maikujera Road were rescued after a joint police and military team engaged bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to flee, while two other victims were rescued during a separate operation in Jaredi Village, Binji Local Government Area. 

According to him, all eight victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.

The police commissioner said intelligence-led operations also resulted in the arrest of several suspected kidnappers, bandits and informants, including three suspects who allegedly confessed to participating in attacks in Tangaza, Gudu, Sabon Birni and Gwadabawa Local Government Areas.

He added that operatives arrested a suspected bandit informant and another suspect accused of using WhatsApp to impersonate a bandit and threaten his former employer after being dismissed from work.

Shaffa further disclosed that police intercepted a suspected collaborator allegedly supplying fuel to members of the Lakurawa terrorist group around Bilangi Forest. 

One suspect was arrested, while another fled, abandoning petroleum products, suspected cannabis and tramadol tablets.

The commissioner also said operatives neutralised four suspected bandits in separate operations in Bodinga and Daraye Village in Wamakko Local Government Area, recovering two AK-47 rifles and 53 rounds of live ammunition.

He added that the Command arrested two suspected drug traffickers transporting large quantities of illicit drugs and dismantled a motorcycle theft syndicate, recovering 14 stolen motorcycles and arresting 23 suspects.

Shaffa also disclosed that 105 vehicles had been impounded for traffic violations, while 96 offenders had been prosecuted since the enforcement exercise began on June 16. 

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information, assuring that the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations to protect lives and property across the state.

Police rescue eight kidnap victims, recover 689 rustled animals in Sokoto