The Niger State Police Command has announced the killing of three suspected kidnappers during a joint security operation in the Kokolo forest near Kawo-Auna village, in Nasko, Magama Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Minna. He said the operation was carried out by the Special Task Team (STT) of the command in collaboration with local vigilante members.
According to the statement, the security team acted on credible intelligence and stormed the forest in the early hours of September 12, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m.
“During the operation, the team encountered the armed hoodlums and engaged them in a gun battle,” SP Abiodun stated. “Three of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while others fled into the forest with gunshot injuries. A kidnapped victim was also rescued during the operation.”
The police further disclosed that two AK-74 rifles and 49 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the kidnappers’ hideout after the shootout.
Abiodun noted that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
He called on residents of neighbouring communities to be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals, especially those seen with gunshot wounds, to the nearest police station or security agency.
“Members of the public, especially neighbouring villages, are hereby urged to quickly inform the police or other security agencies if anyone is found around with gunshot injuries,” the statement added.
Niger State has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, with cases of kidnapping for ransom, bandit attacks, and rural violence becoming more common. The police and local vigilantes have continued to collaborate on operations aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts in forested and hard-to-reach areas of the state.
The latest operation is part of renewed efforts by the security agencies in the state to restore peace and protect lives and property in rural communities.
Residents have commended the police for their swift action but have also called for sustained surveillance and intelligence-sharing to prevent future attacks.
