By admin The Niger State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim and neutralized three kidnappers during a gun duel at Kpakiko forest in Mokwa LGA of the state.
The command also nabbed 22-year-old Samaila Saidu, suspected of being a member of the Kachalla armed bandits group in Izom, Gurara LGA.
The command disclosed this information through its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun in Minna.
Abiodun stated: “On 09/10/2024 at about 00:25 a report was received at Mokwa Div that a victim had been abducted by suspected kidnappers at Takuma village in Mokwa Division and another had been shot in the hand but was taken to hospital for treatment.”
He explained that upon receiving the news, a joint team of police and vigilantes were mobilized and tracked the suspected kidnappers to Kpakiko Forest.
“The police team engaged in a gun duel with the bandits during which three suspected kidnappers were neutralized and one AK-47 rifle with three live ammunitions was recovered. The victim was saved.”
He said the kidnapping investigation was ongoing and efforts to arrest fleeing gang members were at their best.
Commenting on suspected member of armed bandit group Samaila Saidu, PRO said he was arrested at Izom market on September 28, 2024 by Crack Squad of the Command on the basis of practical technical data.
According to him: “During interrogation, the suspect confessed that he is from Dansadau area of Zamfara State but currently resides in Gwacipe area of Gurara, Niger State. He confessed that he has been cooperating with the Kachalla group for over two years and mentioned a series of attacks, rustles and kidnappings.”
He disclosed that Samaila was involved in various bandit attacks in different parts of Niger State, including Mangoro Sarkin-Pawa, Garun-Gabas, Bena Kotonkoro and Kagara town.