Security operatives rescue 20 abductees as bandits invade Niger community

The police command in Niger state says security operatives have rescued 20 kidnap victims following an attack on Nasko, Magama LGA of the state.

Wasiu Abiodun, spokesman of the command, announced the development on Sunday in Minna, the state capital.

Abiodun stated that bandits attacked some villages around Nasko on Saturday and rustled a large number of cattle.

According to him, the police sent for reinforcement and military operatives and vigilantes joined in combing the area.

He said a two-hour fierce gun battle later ensued on Ibeto cattle route, while the bandits were trying to escape with the cattle.

He said scores of bandits were killed in the process and a large herd of cattle recovered, adding that items recovered at the scene included one AK-47 magazine with 30 rounds of live ammunition, seven telephone sets and one Honda motorcycle.

Abiodun also said the police raided a bandits’ hideout at Anaba hilltop area of Magama on Sunday, where one Ak-47 rifle and 13 rounds of live ammunition, hidden between rocks were recovered.

The spokesman solicited the cooperation of residents in ridding the state of banditry and other crimes.