Minna, July 29, 2025 – A total of 35 people, comprising 16 women and 19 children, have been successfully rescued from bandit captivity in Niger State and are now on their way back to their communities, local officials confirm .
The Niger State Police Command, supported by joint security teams, conducted two coordinated rescue operations between July 3 and 5. In the first, 24 victims were intercepted along the Madaka–Makujeri road inside a vehicle transporting them to a different criminal faction. The driver, identified as Yusuf Abdullahi from Birnin Gwari, has been apprehended and is under investigation .
In a separate sting in Agwara, security forces rescued 11 additional victims—including women and children—who were being ferried across a river en route to Yauri in Kebbi State .
Many of those freed were reportedly abducted over varying periods, with some held in captivity for more than a year across forest camps in Pandogari, Madaka, Allawa, and Sarkin Pawa communities .
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, rescued individuals received medical attention before being reunited with relatives. Two firearms magazines along with 60 rounds of live ammunition were seized during the operations and delivered to investigators in Minna .
Additional support services, including psychological care and logistics for safe return, have been arranged for the victims. Authorities emphasized the need for local intelligence from residents to aid ongoing efforts against kidnappers and prevent future abductions
