BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

Two kidnapped residents have regained their freedom after police operatives launched an offensive against bandits operating around Dan Tafki village in Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The victims, Nafisa Abubakar and Aminu Sahabi, both from Dono village, were abandoned by their captors when the criminals fled following a prolonged exchange of gunfire with security personnel.

The confrontation occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 9, when police operatives moved against suspected bandit camps at Dan Tafki and the surrounding hills opposite Binji Musa.

The operation reportedly turned violent shortly after the team arrived, as the armed criminals opened fire on the advancing officers. The ensuing gun battle lasted several hours before the bandits were forced to retreat, leaving the two captives behind.

Following their rescue, the victims were taken to a hospital for medical treatment and psychological support.

Security personnel also set fire to silos and several structures identified as hideouts used by the suspected bandits, in an effort to disrupt their operations and destroy facilities supporting their criminal activities.

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Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, commended the officers involved, praising their courage and coordination during the operation.

He assured residents that the command would maintain pressure on criminal groups through intelligence-led operations aimed at reducing kidnapping and banditry across the state.

The police disclosed that efforts were already underway to track down the fleeing suspects and destroy any remaining camps linked to them.

The command also appealed to residents and community leaders to assist security agencies with useful information, particularly reports of suspicious movements, to help prevent further attacks and improve security in their communities.