SOKOTO STATE POLICE COMMAND
PRESS RELEASE
CLEARANCE OPERATION:
POLICE NEUTRALIZES BANDIT HIDEOUT, RESCUES TWO KIDNAP VICTIMS IN YABO LGA
In a decisive and well-coordinated joint clearance operation carried out in the early hours of today, November 8, 2026, at about 0600 hours, the operatives successfully stormed a notorious bandits’ hideout and rescued two hostages held captive in Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The operation, which was led by the Commander of 7PMF, brought together a combined team of highly trained personnel drawn from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and officers of Yabo Division. The joint team acted on credible intelligence regarding the presence of armed bandits and their captives in the area, and swiftly mobilized to neutralize the threat.
The clearance operation was conducted at Dan Tafki village and the surrounding hills opposite Binji Musa in Yabo LGA, locations that had been identified as operational bases for the criminal elements. Upon arrival, the security operatives came under fire from the armed bandits, prompting a fierce gun duel that lasted for several hours. The exchange of fire was intense, but the superior firepower, tactical display, and coordinated efforts of the security operatives ultimately overwhelmed the criminals.
Unable to withstand the sustained pressure from the team, the bandits fled the scene in disarray, abandoning their captives and leaving behind their hideout. Two hostages were subsequently rescued unharmed from the scene of the operation. In the course of the operation, the team was able to burn down the silos and many hideouts of the said bandits.
The rescued victims have been identified as:
· Nafisa Abubakar (Female) of Dono Village
· Aminu Sahabi (Male) of the same address
Both victims were immediately evacuated and conveyed to Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention and psychological support.
Speaking on the success of the operation, the Commissioner of Police Sokoto Cp Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, psc, mnips commended the professionalism, bravery, and seamless collaboration demonstrated by the team. He reiterated the unwavering commitment of the security forces to sustaining the ongoing clearance operations against banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in the region. He further assured residents that security agencies will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to rid the area of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.
The joint security team has since commenced a follow-up operation to track down the fleeing bandits and dismantle any remaining criminal infrastructure in the area. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security post.
The community leaders and stakeholders are called to support the ongoing peace and security efforts by sharing timely and credible information that could aid in the apprehension of fleeing criminals.
Dsp Ahmad Rufa’i, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police Sokoto State Command
