Police neutralise bandit, recover AK-47 rifle in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has neutralized a suspected armed bandit and recovered one AK-47 rifle around Tunga-Umoru village, via Pissa District in the Borgu Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

It said other bandits, who engaged policemen in a gun battle, fled with various degrees of injuries.

The command made this disclosure in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, in Minna.

According to him, “On 21/02/2024 at about 1030hrs, information was received that four suspected kidnappers threatened a businessman of Bako-Mission village, Pissa District of Borgu LGA to drop a sum of three million naira within three days at a particular location around Tunga-Umoru village, via Pissa District or be kidnapped”.

He explained that immediately the information was received, the police tactical team, including vigilante members led by the DPO New-Bussa Div swung into action and mobilized to the purported location.

“They adopted appropriate operational strategy and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, while one female victim of about 22yrs earlier kidnapped was rescued unhurt,” he disclosed.

The PPRO further stated that the team combed the bush and one of the bandits was neutralized during the gun battle and his AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered.

The command added, “Other members of the gang fled the scene with various gunshot injuries and a concerted effort is ongoing to nab the fleeing outlaws. Public confidence was restored and the area was stabilized.”