35 Rescued Banditry Victims in Niger State Reunite With Families After Weeks in Police Custody

BY Bamidele Atoyebi
July 30, 2025
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Thirty-five victims of banditry in Niger State, comprising 16 women and 19 children, have finally reunited with their families after weeks of protective custody under the Niger State Police Command.

The victims, who were rescued in phases from various communities — including Kagara, Tegina, and Agwara — had been in police care since their release earlier this month.

Spokesperson for the state police command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that the victims received psychological support, food, and bedding, while undergoing counselling and deradicalisation before their handover.

During a formal event, the victims were officially handed over to the Chairman of Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Usman Katako, by the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, who praised the resilience of the victims and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to their safety.

The CP revealed that the rescue mission began on July 3, 2025, after credible intelligence indicated that some victims were being relocated by bandits from Birnin-Gwari to other regions.

Police tactical teams quickly swung into action; the first batch of victims, consisting of five women and six children, was intercepted in Agwara while attempting to cross a river toward New-Bussa, the second batch, made up of four women and seven children, was rescued along the Mekujeri–Tegina Road, another group was intercepted in transit with a driver, identified as Yusuf Abdullahi from Birnin-Gwari.

Preliminary investigations suggest Abdullahi had transported the victims from a suspected bandit camp. He is currently under interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to determine his level of involvement.

CP Elleman stressed that the victims, many of whom had spent weeks in captivity, were emotionally and mentally supported during their stay in custody and that their reintegration into society will continue with help from local authorities and family networks.