Niger police confirm kidnap, rescue of inspector, govt official

The Niger State Police Command yesterday confirmed the kidnap of a police inspector and a forestry officer in Allawa district, Shiroro local government area of Niger State on Monday.

Gunmen were said to have attacked a vehicle carrying the inspector, whose name was simply given as Mr. Paul and a forestry officer, Aminu Dahiru of Allawa Village while on their way to Pandogari community in Rafilocal government area.

The District Head of Allawa, Alhaji Ibrahim Salihu, who earlier confirmed the report, said the kidnappers had contacted the family of the forestry officer and demanded N10 million ransome.

However, the police command through the Public Relations Officer, DSP Babalola Adewale told our correspondent on phone yesterday that the victims had been rescued by security operatives in an operation.

Also, the district head of Allawa in a phone interview with Daily Trust yesterday said the victims escaped during a shootout between security operatives and the kidnappers.

The district head expressed dismay over the rising cases of armed robbery, kidnapping and cattle rustling despite heavy security deployment to the area.

Our correspondent reports that Allawa district and environs were prone to cattle rustling and other criminal activities, necessitating permanent security presence there.