Security forces rescue 10 kidnap victims after fierce gun battle with bandits in Niger

A joint security team has successfully rescued at least 10 people who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, following a fierce gun battle with the criminals.

The rescue operation, carried out in the early hours of February 1, 2026, took place around 8:00 a.m. at Mai-Laka village along the Bangi–Kotonkoro Road.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, security operatives intercepted the kidnappers while they were moving through the area with their captives. This led to an intense exchange of gunfire between the suspects and the joint security team.

According to the police command, pressure from the security team forced the abductors to abandon some of their captives and flee into the surrounding bushes.

The victims, who were rescued unhurt, were said to be from Yauri, Dusai, Dogon-Fadama and Yabawa villages.

Some of the motorcycles used by the suspected kidnappers were also recovered during the operation.

Abiodun further disclosed that clearance operations have been intensified in the area, adding that surveillance and monitoring of the axis are ongoing to prevent further criminal activities.

Recall that the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barr. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, had disclosed that about 70 kidnap victims from parts of the state were rescued through joint efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in Mariga Local Government Area.

Sarkin-Daji, in a statement issued on Sunday, commended the bravery and professionalism of the security operatives, which led to the neutralisation of several bandits, the arrest of suspected criminals, and the safe rescue of many innocent citizens who had been held captive.