The Niger State Police Command says its operatives have killed three suspected kidnappers during a clearance operation in Magama Local Government Area, recovering two AK-47 rifles and 49 rounds of live ammunition.
Command spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun disclosed in a statement on Monday that the raid was conducted by the Special Task Team in collaboration with local vigilantes.
Acting on intelligence, officers stormed Kokolo Forest near Kawo-Auna village in the early hours of September 12 and exchanged gunfire with the suspects.
Three were killed, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
A victim held by the gang was rescued unhurt. Abiodun urged residents of nearby communities to report anyone found with gunshot injuries to security agencies.
In a related development, the Ogun State Police Command shot dead two suspected kidnappers in Owode-Egba and rescued three abducted victims who had been held in a forest since July 16.
Also, on September 17, the Delta State Police Command announced that its operatives killed two suspected kidnappers during an exchange of fire in Owa Ekei, Ika North-East Local Government Area.