Sokoto police rescue two hostages after hours-long gun battle with bandits

The Sokoto State Police Command has announced the rescue of two individuals who had been held captive by suspected bandits in Yabo Local Government Area. According to reports, a sustained gun battle occurred during the early morning of November 8, 2026, as part of the security action. Intelligence indicating the presence of armed criminals led security personnel to strike at Dan Tafki village and the adjacent hills facing Binji Musa.

The joint security team was deployed following credible intelligence indicating that armed bandits were holding captives in the area. Upon arrival at the suspected hideout, the operatives came under heavy gunfire from the attackers. This triggered a fierce gun battle that lasted for several hours. According to the police, the security team eventually overpowered the suspected bandits through coordinated tactical operations and superior firepower. Unable to withstand the sustained pressure, the criminals fled the scene in disarray, abandoning both their hideout and the people they had kidnapped. The two hostages were recovered from the scene unharmed.

Background

The rescue operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple units of the Sokoto State Police Command. The team included personnel from the 7 Police Mobile Force, the Violent Crime Response Unit, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the Yabo Divisional Police Headquarters. The 7 Police Mobile Force Commander directed the execution of this tactical mission. The victims identified as Nafisa Abubakar and Aminu Sahabi are both residents of Dono village. Following their rescue, the victims were transported to a hospital for medical examination and psychological support.

In addition to the rescue, the security team destroyed several structures used by the suspected criminals. These included silos and other shelters that served as hideouts for the bandits. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, disclosed these details in a statement issued on Monday, November 9. He noted that the destruction of these facilities was part of the clearance operation aimed at dismantling the bandits' infrastructure in the area.

Why it matters

The successful rescue and the destruction of the bandit hideouts are significant developments in the ongoing security challenges facing Yabo Local Government Area. The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the bravery and coordination of the operatives involved in the operation. She assured residents that security agencies would continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations to combat banditry and kidnapping in the state. The police emphasized that the safety of residents remains a priority and that efforts to track down the fleeing bandits are ongoing.

The incident highlights the continued threat posed by armed groups in the region and the active response by security forces to protect civilians. The rescue of the two victims without injury is a positive outcome, but the police have indicated that the threat is not fully eliminated, as the bandits have fled rather than being captured.