In a daring and meticulously planned joint operation, operatives from the Department of State Security have successfully rescued four kidnapped victims in Sokoto State.
The dramatic raid unfolded at a notorious bandits’ hideout in the dense Malafana Bush, marking another significant victory in the fight against banditry.
The harrowing ordeal began when the kidnappers demanded a staggering N50 million ransom, eventually lowering their demand to N10 million.
According to Garba Mohammed, Director of Press Affairs at the Deputy Governor’s Office, one victim, Malam Umar Dankoli, shared the grim details of their captivity.
Despite their desperate efforts, only N1 million was raised after several days of frantic contributions. Dankoli’s eldest son courageously delivered the ransom to the camp nine days ago, only to be captured by the ruthless bandits, who maintained their demand for N10 million.
Dankoli and the other victims remained at the mercy of their captors until the joint security team stormed the camp in a high-stakes raid that culminated in their rescue.
Colonel Abdulhamid Usman (rtd), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, lauded the operation, crediting the unwavering support of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto to security agencies for the recent breakthroughs.
He revealed that within the past eleven days, the state has made remarkable strides in curbing banditry.
He also called on citizens to continue sharing vital intelligence with security operatives, emphasizing that community cooperation is pivotal to winning the war against crime.
This operation stands as a testament to the determination of security forces to restore peace and safety to the region.