The Niger State Police Command has rescued two abducted victims during an operation in New-Bussa, while three suspected kidnappers were neutralised during a gun battle.
The Niger kidnapping rescue operation followed a report of an abduction in Wako village, according to the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun.
Abiodun disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Minna.
The police said the incident was reported on September 10 at about 7:30 p.m. According to the command, suspected armed men had abducted two people from Wako village and subsequently demanded a ransom for their release.
Following the report, the surveillance team attached to the New-Bussa Area Command began investigations into the incident.
The team also mobilised members of a local vigilante group to assist with the rescue operation.
The combined team subsequently moved towards the Wawa forest, where the suspected kidnappers were believed to be operating.
The Niger kidnapping rescue operation reportedly escalated after security operatives intercepted the suspected kidnappers in the forest.
A gun battle then broke out between the operatives and the armed group. The police said the confrontation enabled the team to rescue both abducted victims.
The victims were recovered unhurt, according to the command. Three of the suspected kidnappers were also neutralised during the exchange of gunfire. The police said other members of the group managed to escape from the scene with bullet injuries.
The command did not disclose the identities of the rescued victims or the suspected kidnappers. It also did not state whether any weapons or other items were recovered during the operation.
The Niger kidnapping rescue adds to ongoing security efforts targeting kidnapping activities in the state.
The police said investigations and efforts to track the fleeing suspects would continue following the operation.
The command’s statement did not provide further details on the condition of the suspects who escaped with gunshot injuries.
