The Niger State Police Command has rescued 35 kidnap victims, including women and children, who were being transported by suspected bandits to Yauri in Kebbi State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, revealed that the victims were intercepted between July 3 and 5, 2025, by police tactical teams deployed along the Madaka–Makujeri road.
The intercepted group, comprising 24 kidnapped victims, was being conveyed in a vehicle driven by Yusuf Abdullahi of Birnin Gwari.
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According to Abiodun, “The suspect was conveying 24 kidnapped victims to Yauri, Kebbi State, where they were to be handed over to other members of the criminal group.”
He added that some victims had already been dropped off in Tegina to continue the journey in another vehicle. The driver was promptly arrested, and all rescued individuals were taken to a medical facility for treatment.
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In a separate operation on July 4, at about 4:30 p.m., another group of five women and six children was intercepted in Agwara while trying to cross a river into Yauri.
“The Divisional Police Officer in Agwara took custody of the victims,” SP Abiodun stated. He also confirmed the recovery of two magazines and sixty rounds of live ammunition during the operation.
Investigations are currently ongoing as police intensify efforts to locate more victims and arrest additional suspects linked to the syndicate.
“The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, commended the joint security teams for their efforts in successfully rescuing the victims,” the statement read.
“He urged the public to provide actionable information to aid in the rescue of other victims.”
