Police rescue four kidnap victims in Niger state

The Niger state police command says four victims, abducted by bandits in some villages in Tafa LGA, have been rescued.

In a statement on Friday, Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson in the state, said the kidnap victims were abducted from Garam, Azu, Ijah-Gwari, Chachi and Jibi villages.

In December, bandits invaded Garam, Kuduru and Azu villages and abducted no less than 25 residents.

The attacks continued in other villages, particularly those sharing borders with the federal capital territory (FCT).

Recently, about 15 persons, including children, were abducted during an attack on Garam village.

The bandits were said to have demanded a ransom of N500 million for the release of seven persons.

Abiodun said the operatives rescued the kidnap victims on January 17.

“In view of some recent incidents of kidnapping around Garam, Azu, Ijah-Gwari, Chachi and Jibi villages of Tafa LGA of Niger state, where some residents were abducted,” he said.

“The commissioner of police, Niger state command CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, fsi on 17/01/2024 dispatched a tactical team led by area commander Suleja, ACP Sani Musa and AC operations ACP Muazu Muhammad, with Anti-kidnapping unit, tactical support team (TST), and patrol teams of Suleja area command to the aforementioned areas.

“The CP directed the team to embark on confidence-building patrol and visibility policing in the area to avert reoccurrence and intensify effort to rescue the few abducted victims in captivity.

“This measure was to complement the inaugurated special intervention squad of the IGP to cover FCT, Niger, Kaduna, and other vulnerable points.”

He added that the police had earlier rescued four persons from Kpakuru forest area of Kagarko, Kaduna state and Chachi village of Tafa LGA.

He said the police have intensified efforts to ensure others who are still in captivity are rescued.