Ten kidnap victims rescued after gun battle between security forces, bandits in Niger

By Wole Mosadomi

Minna — A joint security team has rescued 10 suspected kidnap victims following a gun duel with bandits in Niger State, the police have confirmed.

The incident occurred on Sunday at Mai-Laka village in Mariga Local Government Area of the state, along the Bangi–Kotonkoro road.

Confirming the development, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry in the state.

According to him, the joint security team intercepted suspected kidnappers at about 8 a.m. on February 1 and engaged them in a gun battle.

“On Sunday, 1st of February, at about 8 a.m., a joint security team intercepted and engaged some suspected kidnappers and bandits in a gun duel at Mai-Laka village along Bangi–Kotonkoro road,” Abiodun said.

He explained that during the exchange of gunfire, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning some of their captives.

“As a result of the gun battle, the abductors abandoned some kidnapped victims and escaped, leading to the rescue of about 10 victims,” he said.

The rescued victims, according to the police, were abducted from Yauri, Dusai, Dogon-Fadama and Yabawa villages.

Abiodun added that several motorcycles belonging to the fleeing bandits were recovered during the operation.

He said clearance and surveillance operations had been intensified in the area to completely dislodge criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents in the affected communities.

“The security team has sustained monitoring and clearance operations to rid the area of bandits and safeguard lives and property,” the police spokesperson added.

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