Niger: Joint security team rescues 10 abducted victims in Mariga
Joint Security Team Rescues Abducted Victims in Niger State
A joint security team successfully rescued at least 10 individuals kidnapped in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State after engaging in a gun battle with the abductors. The operation occurred on February 1, 2026, at approximately 8:00 a.m. in Mai-Laka village, located along the Bangi–Kotonkoro Road.
In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer SP Wasiu Abiodun reported that security operatives intercepted the suspects, resulting in a firefight. The pressure from the security team compelled the kidnappers to abandon some captives and retreat into nearby bushes.
The rescued victims, unharmed, are from Yauri, Dusai, Dogon-Fadama, and Yabawa villages. Authorities also recovered several motorcycles used by the suspects during the operation.
Abiodun indicated that clearance operations have been intensified in the area. Ongoing surveillance and monitoring efforts aim to prevent further incidents of kidnapping.
In related developments, Barr. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, recently noted that approximately 70 kidnapping victims from various parts of the state were rescued through collaborative efforts involving the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in Mariga. He praised the professionalism and bravery of the security personnel, highlighting their success in neutralizing bandits, arresting suspects, and safely liberating many innocent individuals.
