A suspected bandit has been neutralized by men of the Niger State Police Command.

This happened after the suspect came to pick up N3m ransom in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Spokesperson of the command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, February 22, 2024, said four suspected bandits threatened to kidnap a businessman in Bako-Mission village.

The bandits ordered the businessman to drop N3m at a particular location within three days or he risk being kidnapped.

According to Abiodun, a police tactical team, including vigilante members deployed to the purported location and engaged the bandits in a gun battle.

“On 21/02/2024 at about 1030hrs, information was received that four suspected kidnappers threatened a businessman of Bako-Mission village, Pissa District of Borgu LGA to drop a sum of three million naira within three days at a particular location around Tunga-Umoru village, via Pissa District or be kidnapped,” the statement read.

“Immediately this information was received, the Police tactical team, including vigilante members led by the DPO New-Bussa Div swung into action, mobilized to the purported location, adopted appropriate operational strategy and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, while one female victim of about 22yrs earlier kidnapped was rescued unhurt.

“Fortunately, the team combed the bush and one of the bandits was neutralized during the gun battle and his AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered.

“Other members of the gang fled the scene with various gunshot injuries and a concerted effort is ongoing to nab the fleeing outlaws. Public confidence was restored and the area was stabilized.”