Police say they have rescued nine victims abducted within Kainji Lake National Park in Niger State, North-Central Nigeria while on the way from Kabe to New-Bussa.
Commissioner of Police, Shawulu Danmamman who made this known added that the Command also succeeded in arresting seven suspects for criminal conspiracy, and illegal arms dealing and recovered three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles.
CP Danmamman said, the victims were rescued following the combined team of the Police and vigilantes who were mobilised and trailed the abductors to a hideout in the Park for a rescue operation, while a gun battle ensued between the teams and the hoodlums.
Similarly, the Commissioner of Police also added that seven other suspects were arrested for criminal conspiracy, and illegal arms dealing with recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles.
They were arrested by the police tactical team stationed at Gwacipe nipping point along Izom-Suleja Road who intercepted and had an encounter with four suspected armed men on a motorcycle with a sack.
MUST READ: Niger State Police Command presents cheques worth over N111m to 71 families of deceased officers
Consequently, the team responded swiftly and in the process, 24-year-old Peter Padda was shot in the right leg and arrested, while three others escaped from the scene into the bush.
The sack was searched and three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles with magazines were recovered. During interrogation, the said suspect confessed that he was sent by his brother James Padda to purchase the rifles from a local fabricator in Shiroro LGA at the rate of N100,000 each.
In the course of investigation and as a result of his confession, six other suspects were arrested for illegal arms dealing, Exhibits recovered include; three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, three magazines, one AK-47 life ammunition, one local bullet-proof vest, and charms.
Suspects have since been charged to court for prosecution.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
