Police take fight to bandits' enclave in Sokoto

In the early hours of November 9, 2026, police in Sokoto State executed a daring rescue operation, freeing two kidnapped individuals and dismantling bandits' hideouts in Yabo Local Government Area. Led by the Commander of 7PMF, the operation involved personnel from the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and Yabo Division.

Intelligence on armed bandits and their captives prompted the intervention. Upon arrival, the team faced resistance, resulting in a prolonged gunfight. After several hours, the bandits were subdued, abandoning their victims. Nafisa Abubakar and Aminu Sahabi, both from Dono village, were among the rescued individuals. They received medical and psychological assistance at a local hospital.

The security team also destroyed silos and numerous bandit hideouts during the raid. Commissioner Hayatu Hassan Shaffa praised the operatives for their courage and tactical coordination, vowing continued intelligence-driven operations against banditry and kidnapping. A follow-up operation aimed at tracking down the fleeing bandits and dismantling their remaining criminal infrastructure was initiated.

Residents and community leaders were urged to provide credible information and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security post.