Police Rescue Two Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Three Suspects in Niger

Two kidnapped victims have been rescued unhurt while three suspected kidnappers were reportedly killed during a gun battle with security operatives in New-Bussa, Niger State.

The Niger State Police Command disclosed the development on Tuesday through its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement issued in Minna.

Abiodun said the incident began on September 10 at about 7:30pm after the New-Bussa Area Command received a report that armed men had abducted two residents of Wako village and were demanding a ransom.

Following the report, the surveillance team attached to the command launched an investigation and mobilised local vigilantes to assist with a rescue operation in the Wawa Forest.

The police spokesperson said the team eventually intercepted the suspected kidnappers, triggering a gun battle between the operatives and the armed group.

During the encounter, the two abducted victims were rescued without injuries, according to the police.

Abiodun said three members of the suspected kidnapping group were neutralised during the confrontation, while other suspects reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

The command did not disclose the identities of the rescued victims or the suspected kidnappers, but said the operation was part of efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.