Police in Niger State announced they had averted a bandit raid on Jellako village in the state’s Rafi Local Government Area.
The police spokesman, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, revealed in Minna on Tuesday that hundreds of bandits escaped with gunshot wounds and 15 kidnapped victims were released.
Abiodun stated that the operation took place on May 9, around 2030 hours, based on a tip that suspected armed bandits were spotted in the vicinity of Jellako village, Rafi LGA.
“Joint security tactical teams with vigilantes were immediately mobilised to the area where the bandits were engaged in a gun battle.
“Consequently, as a result of the firing power of the tactical teams, the bandits fled the scene and some of them escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries.
“While the hoodlums scampered for their lives, they abandoned two of their motorcycles and 15 victims abducted at different locations in the state.
“The victims were rescued unhurt by the teams and taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention while the two motorcycles were equally recovered.
“The victims will later be reunited with their families after the medical attention,” he said.
He reassured people that the Police and other security forces would not back down in their fight against banditry and other forms of crime.
He stated that the attack would continue until the bandit-infested areas were tranquil and safe.
He requested more working cooperation from the inhabitants by providing credible information on the activities of suspicious characters in their midst for immediate security action.