Security operatives have rescued six farmers who were kidnapped from their farms in Mahangi village, near Pandogari, in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The victims were reportedly abducted by armed men on October 28, 2026, at about noon while working on their farms.

The Niger State Police Command disclosed that the farmers regained their freedom on October 29 following a joint security operation around Pandogari.

The police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the operation involved security tactical teams who tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in Hanawanka Forest, where the victims were being held.

According to him, all six victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently taken to the Kagara Divisional Police Headquarters for debriefing and medical attention before being reunited with their families.

In a separate operation, security operatives also recovered two AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines during a clearance operation in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

Abiodun explained that the weapons were recovered on October 30 around Kaima and Gwando villages, along the Niger-Kwara border.

He said the operation involved police tactical teams working alongside local vigilantes, who reportedly engaged suspected bandits in a gun battle.

Some of the suspected criminals were neutralised during the confrontation, while others escaped into the surrounding forest.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of the two rifles and magazines, which were handed over to the Police Area Command in New Bussa.

The police command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining joint security operations to combat kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities across Niger State.