The Nigerian Police Force in Sokoto, working with military units stationed in Rabah, stopped an armed bandit attack on the Rabah–Maikujera road and rescued five kidnapped individuals. DSP Ahmed Rufai, the command's Public Relations Officer, said the incident occurred after a distress call was received on 07 May 2026 at about 20:45 hours. The call reported that armed bandits had blocked the road, opened sporadic gunfire, and kidnapped six people travelling in a Canter vehicle loaded with charcoal.
A joint team of police tactical units and the military Forward Operating Base (FOB) was immediately deployed to the scene. Security operatives engaged the bandits in a prolonged gunfight before the attackers fled into nearby forest. Five of the six kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed, and the Canter vehicle was recovered. No injuries were recorded among the security operatives or the rescued individuals.
The five rescued persons have been reunited with their families, and the vehicle is now in police custody for further investigation. The search continues for the sixth victim, who reportedly ran into the forest while trying to escape the bandits. Police have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.
All neighboring police divisions have been placed on high alert and instructed to remain vigilant, as the bandits may attempt to move into other areas. A lookout notice has been issued for the suspects. The Sokoto Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to provide timely information to aid crime prevention.
