The police command in Sokoto says it rescued two kidnap victims during a joint operation against bandits in Yabo council area.

In a statement on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Ahmad Rufa’i, said the operation was conducted at about 6:00 a.m. on Sunday at Dan Tafki village and surrounding hills opposite Binji Musa.

He said the operation was led by the commander of the 7 Police Mobile Force and involved personnel from the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Yabo Police Division.

According to him, the security operatives engaged the armed bandits in a gun duel that lasted several hours before the criminals fled, abandoning their captives.

Mr Rufa’i said the operatives subsequently rescued two victims, identified as Nafisa Abubakar and Aminu Sahabi, both residents of Dono village.

He added that the operatives also dismantled several hideouts and silos belonging to the bandits during the operation.

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated and conveyed to hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention and psychological support,” he said.

The spokesperson said the police had commenced a follow-up operation to track down the fleeing bandits.