Fifteen persons abducted by armed bandits in Jellako village, Rafi local government area of Niger State, have regained their freedom.
They were rescued by joint tactical team of Police and Vigilante following an invasion of the bandits’ camp by the security operatives.
Niger State Police CommandPublic Relations Officer, PRO, DSP Wasiu Abiodun disclosed in Minna, the state capital.
According to him the joint security team engaged the bandits in the area leading to the release of the 15 persons in their captivity.
He added that the bandits were dislodge by the tactical team’s superior fire power, forcing them to flee the scene and some of them escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries even as two motorcycles were recovered.
According to him, ” there is an ongoing clearance operation as part of efforts to curb or eradicate banditry and other criminality in the state, on 09/05/2022 at about 2030hrs, based on a tip-off that suspected armed bandits were sighted around Jellako village, Rafi local government, the Joint security tactical teams with vigilante members were immediately mobilized to the area where the bandits were engaged in a gun battle”.
“While the hoodlums scampered for their lives, they abandoned two of their motorcycles and fifteen victims abducted at different locations in the state”.
The state police image maker disclosed that victims were rescued unhurt by the teams and taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
” The victims will later be reunited with their families after the medical attention, ” he stated.
The Police PRO further reassured members of the public that the Police and other security agencies in the state will not relent in the ongoing onslaught against banditry and other criminality until a peaceful and more secured environment is achieved in the bandits infested areas.