Police Rescue Kidnapped Victim Chained With Padlocks in Niger Forest

Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have rescued one Nasiru Idris, a resident of Farin-Ruwa via Bena in Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, who was found chained with padlocks on his neck and hands by his abductors in Mariga Forest.

Confirming the rescue on Friday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said Idris was freed during a routine patrol by police operatives on February 16, 2025.

According to Abiodun, a tactical squad led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘A’ Division Kontagora discovered the victim while conducting a confidence-building patrol along the Bangi-Kontagora road.

“The victim was found deep inside the forest, abandoned by his captors who fled upon sighting the police team,” Abiodun stated.

He added that Idris was immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention, while efforts are underway to locate his family.

An investigation has also been launched to track down the kidnappers.

Suspect Arrested for Fatal Stabbing in Niger

In a separate incident, the police in Niger State have arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Hashimu Sani, for allegedly stabbing a 20-year-old man, Musa Bala, to death in Kotonkoro village.

Abiodun disclosed that Sani was apprehended by operatives attached to Bangi Division on February 17, 2025, at about 10:30 p.m., with two knives stained with suspected blood.

“It was reported that the suspect stabbed the victim in the neck without provocation. Upon interrogation, he could not provide any reason for his actions or any altercation between him and the deceased.

It was only established that the suspect is a known drug addict who often bragged that if he killed someone, nothing would happen,” Abiodun said.

The suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.