Police operatives intercept movement of 35 Residents kidnapped by gunmen
Police operatives intercept movement of 35 Residents kidnapped by gunmen
The Niger State Police Command has successfully rescued 35 individuals, including women and children, who were abducted by suspected bandits.
The victims, taken from various communities in Niger State—Pandogari, Madaka, Allawa, and Sarkin-Pawa—as well as from Taraba State, were reportedly being transported to Yauri in Kebbi State when police intervened.
According to SP Wasiu Abiodun, the command’s spokesperson, the rescues occurred during multiple operations conducted between July 3 and 5.
In a key operation along the Madaka–Makujeri road, police tactical teams intercepted a vehicle driven by Yusuf Abdullahi, a resident of Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.
Abdullahi was allegedly transporting 24 victims to Kebbi, intending to hand them over to another group of bandits.
Authorities noted that some abductees had already been dropped off in Tegina to continue their journey in a separate vehicle.
Abdullahi was arrested, and the rescued individuals are now receiving medical attention.
In a related incident on July 4, officers in Agwara intercepted another group attempting to cross a river into Kebbi. This operation led to the protective custody of five women and six children. During this intervention, police also recovered two magazines and 60 rounds of live ammunition.
SP Abiodun confirmed that investigations are ongoing as authorities work to rescue more victims and apprehend other members of the kidnapping network.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has commended the officers for their swift actions and urged the public to continue providing credible information to aid security operations.
