Police rescue kidnap victim chained with padlock on neck, hands in Niger forest

The Niger State Police Command has rescued one Nasiru Idris, a resident
of Farin-Ruwa via Bena in Wasagu local government area of Kebbi State, who was chained with padlocks by his abductors on his neck and hands in Mariga forest.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the victim was rescued by State Police Command operatives on February 16, 2025, during a routine patrol.

He explained that the police tactical squad, led by DPO ‘A’ Division Kontagora, stumbled upon him during a routine confidence-building patrol along Bangi-Kontagora road.

Abiodun stated that Nasiru was found hidden deep within the forest, abandoned by his captors who fled upon spotting the police.

According to him, the police tactical squad immediately took Nasiru to the hospital for treatment while efforts are ongoing to locate his relatives.

The police spokesman also disclosed that the Command has launched an investigation into Nasiru’s kidnapping and is working to apprehend those responsible.

Also, he revealed that on 17th February, 2025 at about 10.30pm, police operatives of Kotonkoro, attached to Bangi Division arrested one Hashimu Sani, 23, of Kotonkoro village with two knives stained with suspected blood.

“It was reported that the suspect allegedly used the knives to stab one Musa Bala, 20, of the same area on the neck.

“When questioned, he couldn’t state any reason for his action or any altercation between him and the deceased. It was only established that the suspect is a drug addict and usually brags that if he kills someone, nothing will happen.”

The suspect has been transferred to SCID for further investigation and prosecution.