Joint Security Teams Rescue 6 Farmers, Recover Rifles In Niger

Niger State joint tactical teams have rescued six abducted farmers during a clearance and rescue operation around Pandogari Rafi local government area.

LEADERSHIP reports that the victims were kidnapped by  suspected bandits on their farms at Mahangi village via Pandogari.

It was learnt that the victims were taken to Hanawanka forest, where they were rescued unhurt.

The police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that the victims were later received at Kagara Division for debriefing and medical attention ahead of reunion with their relatives.

LEADERSHIP gathered that there is an upsurge  in the number of attacks by bandits in recent weeks on farmers who are harvesting crops from their farms in Mariga, Rijau, Mashegu, Borgu, Shiroro and Rafi local government areas

It was learnt that the bandits often attack villagers who refuse to exchange cash or farm produce for their freedom.

Consequently, Abiodun said the joint tactical teams stationed in the areas have increased their visibility and rescued some farmers unhurt.

Meanwhile, he said Police tactical team with vigilante members in Borgu local government have recovered two AK-47 rifles with two empty magazines.

He said the rifles were recovered through a clearance and rescue operation around Kaima/Gwando villages between Niger/Kwara States, where the Police and the vigilante members engaged the bandits in a gun battle, and some of the hoodlums were neutralised while others escaped into the forest.

“During a further search, the two AK-47 rifles were recovered in the forest and handed over to the Police Area Command, New-Bussa. However, the clearance operation continued,” he said.