Niger: Police Rescue 35 Kidnap Victims  

Niger State Police Command have confirmed the rescue of 35 kidnapped victims from various locations across the state in recent operations.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun.

He said the rescue followed reports of bandits relocating from Birnin-Gwari forest due to clearance operations by security forces in the area.

Abiodun said, “Between July 3 and July 5, 24 victims, including women and children kidnapped over a year ago, were rescued from different parts of the state.

“The rescued victims were taken from locations such as Pandogari, Madaka, Allawa, Sarkin-Pawa, Taraba, and other areas while heading to Yauri, Kebbi.

“Police tactical teams intercepted many of the victims on the Madaka-Makujeri road in a vehicle driven by Yusuf Abdullahi from Birnin-Gwari.

“He was reportedly conveying the victims to Yauri to be handed over to other members of the group, while some were dropped in Tegina.

“The driver was arrested. The victims received medical attention before being reunited with their families.”

The Police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to rescue more victims and arrest the fleeing suspects.

According to him, on July 4 at about 4.30 p.m., 11 victims — five women and six children — were intercepted in Agwara while trying to cross to Yauri, Kebbi.

Abiodun said the Divisional Police Officer in Agwara took them into custody. Two magazines and 60 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.

He said they were later transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, praised the joint security forces and urged the public to provide useful information to aid further rescues. 

NAN