Police save kidnapped people, shoot dead suspected kidnappers in Niger

The police have rescued two people who were kidnapped in Wako village, New-Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The state command said they also killed three suspected kidnappers during a gunfight with the police-led rescue team.

In a statement on Monday, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said the victims were taken on 10 September around 7:30 p.m.

Mr Abiodun explained that the command got a report at the New-Bussa Area Command. Armed men had attacked Wako village and kidnapped two people, later asking for ransom to set them free.

The surveillance team linked to the area command quickly started investigating and, on September 11, teamed up with vigilante members to go to Wawa Forest to save the victims.

“During the operation, the suspected kidnappers were intercepted, and a gun battle ensued between the rescue team and the hoodlums,” the statement noted.

The police confirmed that the two victims were rescued unharmed, while three of the suspected kidnappers were killed.

The statement added that other gang members ran away with injuries from gunshots.

The rescued victims have been debriefed, and the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.