Security forces in Niger rescue three kidnapped victims in Mashegu LGA

Three abducted victims have been rescued by police operatives after a gun duel with suspected kidnappers in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident occurred on February 5, 2026, at about 10:00 p.m., when armed men invaded Aworo Village via Leaba Zugurma and abducted three residents, taking them into the nearby forest.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the rescue was made following a distress report from residents.

He explained that police operatives attached to the Ibbi Division, in collaboration with local vigilante members, launched a manhunt for the suspects.

The PRO disclosed that operatives traced the abductors to their hideout in the Park Forest in the early hours of February 8, 2026, at about 2:00 a.m.

“On arrival, the police team engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee, and the three abducted victims were rescued during the operation,” he revealed.

In a related development, the Command also arrested a suspected kidnapper in Dogon-Daji village via Luma in the New Bussa area and recovered a firearm.

Abiodun disclosed that the incident happened in the early hours of February 8, 2026, when three suspects identified as Umaru Beto, Sidi (alias Smally), and Kutte, all from Wawa, invaded Dogon-Daji village and attacked a resident who raised the alarm, drawing neighbours to the scene.

He further said the intervention of villagers led to the arrest of Umaru Beto, while the other two suspects escaped.

A locally made revolver was recovered from the arrested suspect.

He added that police patrol teams from the New Bussa Division, alongside vigilante members, moved to the scene and took the suspect into custody for further investigation.

Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal elements in the area.