Thirteen kidnapped victims abducted from different locations and held captives by their abductors in Niger state have been rescued by the joint security forces.
This followed a tip-off that some roving bandits are being sighted around Bonu Gwalu and Chimbi areas of Gurara and Paikoro local government councils of Niger state and immediately engaged by the joint security forces in a gun battle.
Commissioner of Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs Mr Emmanuel Umar who stated this in a statement to Newsmen in Minna however said the victims were rescued in Gurara local government council.
Mr Emmanuel Umar explained that the action was in furtherance to the ongoing security clearance operation against banditry and other violent crime in some parts of Niger state
According to him in the course of this, majority of the hoodlums scampered for safety, while some of them escaped with some bullet wounds thereby leading to the rescue of the thirteen kidnapped victims.
Mr Emmanuel Umar said among the victims were Ramatu Usman 35yrs, Jamila Jafaru 15yrs, Fatima Usman 30yrs, Hassana Usman, Salamatu Bio, Suleman Usman, Bayi Mohammed, Awwalu Shagari, all kidnapped from Maje Daji via Dobi Gwagwalada Area Council of Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
Others are Fauziya Musa, Nazifa Ibrahim, Mansura Musa, Wasila Musa, all kidnapped from Gwalu village via Kafin-koro in Paikoro local government council of Niger State.
All the victims were taken to a government medical facility for medical checks and have been reunited with their families.
While Niger State Government appreciates the continuing efforts of our security agencies and community the state Governor Alh Abubakar Sani Bello also applauded the gallantry shown by security forces and charged them not to relent in their effort until they rout out from the state all criminal elements.
Rel Aliyu Lawal.