Four abducted tree cutters freed after gunfight in Niger
Niger State Police Rescue Four Abducted Tree Cutters
NIGER STATE, Nigeria — Four tree cutters who were kidnapped by suspected bandits were rescued by the Niger State Police Command following a gunfight in the Kankara area. The incident occurred on February 3, 2026, according to a post shared on social media by security analyst Zagazola Makama.
Police patrol teams engaged in confidence-building efforts along the Ketare–Kankara Road noticed suspected bandits concealed in the Makulawa bush. Upon confrontation, officers exchanged gunfire with the assailants, compelling them to retreat deeper into the forest. During this operation, authorities successfully rescued the four victims.
The individuals freed have been identified as Ibrahim Dauda, 40; Yakubu Aliyu, 32; Hamisu Saidu, 23; and Aminu Garba, 22, all residents of Malumfashi Township. They have since been reunited with their families.
In response to the incident, security sources reported that key escape routes utilized by the bandits have been secured, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects who fled the scene.
