Police rescue 23 kidnap victims as gunmen kill driver in Niger

A commercial driver, known only as Emeka, was tragically killed by suspected kidnappers who abducted five passengers during a journey from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

According to reports, the incident occurred last weekend between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village in Niger State. A statement released by the state police command revealed that the attackers ambushed the vehicle, a Toyota with the registration number LND 863 YF, fatally shooting Emeka before taking four passengers hostage.

In a separate incident, the police command reported the successful rescue of 19 passengers who had been kidnapped while traveling from Sokoto to Bayelsa.

These individuals were attacked by kidnappers on November 1, 2024, while travelling in a Toyota Bus with the registration number LG 08 DGS and were intercepted along the Tegina-Zungeru road in Niger State before being taken into a nearby forest.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incidents in a statement on Monday, emphasizing that the victims in both situations were rescued unharmed.

“On November 3, 2024, at about 6 a.m., it was reported that suspected kidnappers attacked a vehicle with registration number LND 863 YF travelling from Yawuri in Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

“The incident took place between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, leading to the abduction of five persons and the unfortunate death of the driver, Emeka,” Abiodun stated.

The police mouthpiece further explained that a joint security tactical team responded swiftly, combing the Kattako forest in Rafi Local Government Area.

“Four of the abducted passengers were rescued unhurt, and efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victim still in captivity,” he added.

Explaining the case of the 19 passengers abducted from the Sokoto-Bayelsa journey, Abiodun said that intense pressure by the joint security forces led to the safe rescue of all passengers.

“Immediately after the November 1 attack, security operatives pursued the kidnappers, leading to the recovery of twelve victims on November 2 in the Pangugari forest, Rafi LGA,” he added, noting that further operations saw the rescue of the remaining seven victims later that evening, bringing the total number rescued to 19.

“The victims received medical care at a nearby clinic and were safely returned to Sokoto on November 3,” Abiodun disclosed.