Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have killed three bandits while trying to collect ransom demanded before the release of a driver kidnapped in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
The state police spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, January 13, said police operatives also repelled an attack in Maje village, Magama Local Government Area of the state and neutralized one bandit.
“On 08/01/2023 at about 1430hrs, acting on a tip-off that some suspected armed bandits who had kidnapped a driver few days ago along Kuka-Babanna road, New-Bussa Borgu LGA arranged to collect ransom for the release of the driver,” the statement read.
“Consequently, joint tactical teams of Police, Military and local vigilantes mobilized and trailed the hoodlums to a nearby forest where the bandits were engaged in a gun battle.
“Fortunately, three among the hoodlums were neutralized while scores of them escaped with gunshot injuries. However, one pump action rifle with four cartridges and two single barrel guns were recovered.
“The victim (driver) was rescued unhurt and he was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical assessment and examination, while further effort is ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects,”
“On 12/1/2023 at about 2355hrs, a distress call was received from Maje village via Nasko Magama LGA that some suspected armed bandits were making efforts to invade a residence in the village,”
“Police tactical teams attached to Nasko Division were immediately mobilized to the Area and on sighting the Police teams, the hoodlums opened fire at the teams and a gun duel ensued, as a result of this, one of the bandits was neutralized and his AK-49 rifle was recovered from the scene, while others escaped into the forest with bullet injuries. However, the teams are still on the trail of the hoodlums for possible arrest of other survivors,”
Similarly, on 31/12/2022 at about 0930hrs, following a tip-off that some armed bandits were sighted at Wawa forest reserve, New-Bussa.
Police tactical teams were drafted to the forest and on sighting the teams; the bandits took to their heels and abandoned one type-06 rifle without magazine at the scene.
“The rifle was recovered, meanwhile the clearance operation continues which will be sustained with a view to ensure that a lasting peace is restored in the State.”