Security personnel have successfully rescued 22 victims kidnapped by bandits in the Kuchi community, Munya local government area in Niger State.
The Niger State Commissioner for Internal security and humanitarian affairs, Mr Emmanuel Umar who stated this in a statement to the media said that Security Forces were mobilized to the scene, engaged the terrorist and rescued all 22 victims after a fierce gun fight.
“The terrorist, in the early hours of Friday, 22nd July, invaded Kuchi Community and kidnapped men, women and infants and were taken to their hideouts,” Umar said.
“Security forces mobilised for a manhunt and engaged the terrorists within the river line of Dangunu axis. The terrorists scampered into the overflowed river and forest belt, abandoning their victims and some of their items and equipment, which were recovered”.
The Commissioner for internal security further mentioned that all the victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families, however, said 1 of the victim is currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds in a government medical facility.
The Niger State Government while appreciating the continuing efforts of the heads of security agencies in the state and community leaders towards mitigating the spate of insecurity, called on all citizens to be very vigilant and report any strange or suspicious person loitering in their communities in a manner fatigued and or with gunshot wounds.
The Nigerian Police Command in Niger State in a statement by DSP Wasiu Abiodun the spokesperson of the command mentioned the arrest of Alhaji Bashir Abdullahi, a notorious kingpin in Mariga Local government Area of Niger State by the Police.
The suspect according to DSP Wasiu Abiodun, was arrested at Kontagora, when planning to perpetuate his usual kidnapping escapades.
“During interrogation, Alh. Bashiru confessed that he planned to kidnap a former Local Government Council Chairman of Mariga and the father of a former Commissioner in the State”, DSP Abiodun added.
“He claimed that the former Chairman owed him 5.8 Million Naira and that he intends to realise 10 million naira ransom for kidnapping the Chairman, and 15 Million Naira for Kidnapping the father of the former Commissioner had his 1.3 Million Naira from a business transaction.
The Governor of Niger State further acknowledged and salute the courage, commitment and dexterity of all the security forces in the fight against terrorism/banditry and other forms of violent crimes in the State. He however directed that they should remain resolute in their determination to dislodge and root out bandits/terrorist and their activities in Niger State.
Dominica Nwabufo
