Police rescue kidnap victims, neutralise suspects in Niger
Gun Battle in Niger State Leads to Rescued Victims and Neutralized Suspects
Three suspected kidnappers were neutralized, and two victims were rescued during a gun battle between security operatives and armed men in Wawa Forest, located in the Borgu local government area of Niger State.
The operation was initiated after reports received at the New-Bussa Area Command on September 10, 2026, indicated that armed assailants had abducted two individuals from Wako village and were demanding a ransom.
According to a statement from Niger State Police Command spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun on Monday, a surveillance team from the New-Bussa Area Command, along with local vigilantes, mobilized to the Wawa Forest on September 11 to locate and rescue the victims.
During the operation, the security personnel intercepted the kidnappers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. Abiodun confirmed that the two abducted victims were rescued unharmed, while three suspected kidnappers were neutralized in the confrontation. “Others escaped with bullet injuries,” the spokesperson added.
Following their rescue, the victims were debriefed, and an investigation into the incident is currently underway. Police officials are encouraging the public to provide timely and useful information to assist law enforcement in combating kidnapping and other criminal activities within the state.
In a separate incident, two suspects were apprehended, and stolen cattle were recovered following a report of cattle theft in Suleja. On September 5, 2026, authorities received information from the ‘B’ Division in Suleja about a young herder who had discovered that one of his cattle was missing after returning from grazing in the New-Gwazunu area.
Police operatives launched an investigation and subsequently arrested one Abdullahi Salisu, who reportedly confessed to the theft. He indicated that he had handed the stolen cow over to two individuals identified as Ismail and Puri, who are currently at large.
Further investigation revealed that the stolen cattle had been sold to a man named Habu, before being recovered from Suleiman Bawa’s residence at APC Quarters in Suleja. Bawa claimed that Habu had stored the animals with him.
Both Abdullahi Salisu and Suleiman Bawa remain in police custody for ongoing investigations, while efforts continue to apprehend Ismail, Puri, and Habu.
