SECURITY FORCES LAUNCH RESCUE OPERATION FOR 47 ABDUCTED FARMERS IN NIGER

Security operatives have launched a search operation to rescue more than 47 farmers abducted by suspected bandits in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The joint operation involves personnel of the Nigerian military and the Nigeria Police Force, who are combing forests around Mukura village in the Kasuwan-Garba District.

The Niger State Police Command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed on Wednesday that the operation was ongoing following reports that more than 20 people were abducted at Mukura village on September 27.

The victims were reportedly harvesting groundnuts at their farms in Tungan Rimi, Ma’undu-Beri Ward, when they were attacked. Most of those abducted were women, alongside some men.

Chairman of Mariga Local Government, Aliyu Muhamadu, said more than 47 people were taken away. He also disclosed that one of the women reportedly gave birth while in captivity.

According to the council chairman, the abductors had contacted some relatives of the victims and demanded N2m for the release of each person.

Muhamadu said security personnel and local vigilantes had been mobilised to search for the victims. He added that the joint team and vigilantes engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle around Alibani village, during which one vigilante was injured.

A local source also reported seeing armed men moving between Mangoro and Wamba before heading towards the Bariki Forest, also known as Ma’undu, where the abducted farmers are suspected to be held.

Security forces are continuing efforts to locate the victims and secure their release.