SAA event in Niger on Tue 3rd February 2026

Niger State Police rescue four kidnapped tree cutters in Kankara

By: Zagazola Makama 

The Niger State Police Command has rescued four abducted tree cutters following a gunfight with armed bandits in Makulawa bush, Kankara Local Government Area.

According to sources the incident occurred on Feb. 3, 2026, at about 1230hrs, when police patrol teams on confidence-building patrol along Ketare–Kankara Road intercepted a group of suspected bandits hiding in the bush.

The patrol teams engaged the criminals in a sustained gun duel, forcing them to retreat into the forest. The operation led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims, identified as Ibrahim Dauda, 40; Yakubu Aliyu, 32; Hamisu Saidu, 23; and Aminu Garba, 22, all residents of Malumfashi Township.

The victims were safely reunited with their families, while major escape routes of the bandits were immediately blocked, and efforts to apprehend the fleeing culprits are ongoing.

The police confirmed that further developments will be communicated as the investigation continues.