Police rescue 15 abductees from Niger forest, arrest three ‘gunmen’

The Niger police command says it has arrested three gunmen during an operation in Lapai LGA of the state.

Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson in the state, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Abiodun said the police received information that bandits were spotted in Agigi/Kpashimi forest in Lapai LGA, adding that operatives were deployed to the area.

Fifteen kidnap victims were said to have been rescued, while two burnt motorcycles were recovered.

“Sequel to the ongoing onslaught against banditry and other criminality in the state, on 11/05/2022 at about 1330hrs, information was received that suspected armed bandits were sighted at Agigi/Kpashimi forest via Lapai LGA,” the statement reads.

“Police tactical team attached to Lapai division with vigilante members were mobilised to the area where the bandits were engaged in gun duel and overpowered by the tactical team, while some of the hoodlums escaped into the forest with bullet injuries.

“Consequently, three suspects among the bandits were arrested, and fifteen victims abducted by the hoodlums were rescued from the forest.

“Two burnt motorcycles were equally recovered from their camp. However, the case under investigation as effort is ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

“Suspects will be arraigned in court after investigation.”

In another development, the police command said its operatives repelled an attempt by gunmen to attack Maraban Dan-Daudu and Jiko villages around Gwada town in Shiroro LGA of the state.

Monday Kuryas, commissioner of police in Niger, commended the tactical team and urged them to maintain the effort on tackling insecurity in the state.