35 rescued women, children reunite with families in Niger

Thirty-five Niger State residents who regained their freedom from bandits some weeks back have reunited with their families.

They have been in the protective custody of the Niger State Police Command since they were rescued.

The victims made up of 16 women and 19 children with their families were taken from various communities in the state including Kagara, Tegina and Agwara.

They were kept in police protective custody for weeks before reuniting with their families.

According to the police their minds were dissuaded from their captors before they were handed over to the chairman of the Rafi Local Government Area, Ayuba Katako.

Spokesman for the state police command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development on Tuesday.

He said, “During the brief handing over to the Chairman, Rafi LGA, Ayuba Usman Katako, the Commissioner of Police noted that the victims will be reunited with their families as they have been under police protective custody with necessary support and care from the state government.

He added that this started on 3rd of July 2025 when information was received from a credible source stating that the victims were relocating from Birnin-Gwari to other areas.

“Police operatives swung into action and the first batch was intercepted in Agwara during an attempt to cross the river to other villages of New-Bussa, and five women and six children were rescued.

“During interrogation, it was stated that bandits were relocating from Birnin-Gwari to other areas and the police tactical team stationed at Mekujeri-Tegina Road intercepted the second batch with four women and seven children, while another batch was also intercepted with a driver transporting them away.

“Investigation revealed that the driver, Yusuf Abdullahi of Birnin-Gwari, went to their camp to convey the victims and he is under investigation in SCID to ascertain his collaboration in their activities.”

The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, asserted that since the victims have been in custody, a series of counselling and deradicalisation processes were given to them, with foods and bedding.