Police rescue kidnapped victims, arrest Robbery suspects in Niger State

Police authorities in Niger State have confirmed the rescue of seven kidnapped victims in Mashegu Local Government Area, as well as the arrest of seven robbery suspects in separate operations aimed at curbing insecurity in the state.

The spokesman of the command, Superintendent Wasi’u Abiodun, in a statement, revealed that on May 3 at about 7am, a group of suspected kidnappers attacked Tungan-Boka and Masaha villages in Mashegu, abducting seven persons during the invasion. Sadly, one Garba Mohammed lost his life after being shot during the attack.

According to Abiodun, a rescue operation was swiftly launched around 5pm that same day by a combined team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer alongside vigilante members. The team pursued the suspects into a forest within Tungan-Boka village where a gun battle ensued. As a result, the seven abducted persons were safely rescued, while the kidnappers managed to escape. He assured that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.

In a related development, the police also arrested seven armed robbery suspects in Suleja. Abiodun disclosed that on May 1 at about 6pm, reports were received about a robbery at APC Quarters, Suleja, where victims were dispossessed of their mobile phones and other belongings.

Following the report, operatives from ‘B’ Division Suleja, led by the Divisional Police Officer, stormed the scene and apprehended a 16-year-old suspect, Mubarak Mohammed. During interrogation, the teenager confessed to being part of a thirteen-man robbery gang. His confession led to the arrest of other members of the gang, aged between 17 and 20 years.

Abiodun said the police recovered six cutlasses, three torchlights, charms, fourteen mobile phones, and four bags from the suspects’ hideout located under a mango tree along Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

The police spokesman noted that all suspects are currently under investigation and would soon be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further inquiry and possible prosecution.