The Niger State Police Command has rescued 23 kidnapped passengers from Pangugari and Kattako forests in Rafi Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, November 4, 2024, said bandits attacked a commercial bus heading to Bayelsa State from Sokoto and abducted 19 passengers along Tegina-Zungeru road

Similarly, bandits attacked another vehicle from Yawuri Kebbi State heading to Asaba, Delta State, killed a driver identified as Emeka and abducted 5 passengers between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village.

“On 01/11/2024 at about 0630hrs, information was received that on same date at about 0230hrs, some passengers who were on transit in a Toyota Bus vehicle with Reg. No. LG 08 DGS from Sokoto State heading to Bayelsa State were attacked by suspected kidnappers at Gadan-Kwakwa along Tegina-Zungeru road and abducted nineteen persons into the forest,” the statement read.

“Immediately the information was received, joint security tactical team mobilized and trailed the suspected kidnappers, and as a result of the sustained pressure, twelve victims were abandoned by the hoodlums and they were rescued on 02/11/2024 at about 0642hrs along Pangugari forest in Rafi LGA.

“As the rescue operation was intensified, fortunately at about 2100hrs of the same date, the remaining seven victims were also rescued unhurt within the forest making a total of nineteen victims rescued.

“The victims were taken to a nearby clinic for medical attention and they were released to return to Sokoto State on 03/11/2024.”

“Similarly, on 03/11/2024 at about 0600hrs, it was also reported that on the same date at about 0130hrs, suspected kidnappers attacked a vehicle with Reg. No. LND 863 YF from Yawuri Kebbi State heading to Asaba Delta State.

“The attack occurred at a point between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, and five persons were reportedly abducted, unfortunately, one Emeka, the driver was shot dead.

“The joint security tactical team responded and combed the forest, and in the process, four victims were rescued unhurt within Kattako forest, Rafi LGA. However, effort is being intensified to rescue the remaining one victim in captivity as the rescue operation continues.”