Security operatives comprising personnel of the Nigerian military and the Nigeria Police Force have launched a rescue operation for more than 47 farmers abducted by suspected bandits in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The state police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the operation on Wednesday, saying security personnel were combing the Mukura area of Kasuwan-Garba District in search of the victims.
According to Abiodun, the abduction occurred on September 27, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked the Mukura community and kidnapped more than 20 people.
However, PUNCH gathered that the actual number of victims was more than 47. Most of those abducted were women who were harvesting groundnuts on their farms in Tungan Rimi, Ma’undu-Beri Ward, Mariga LGA.
The Chairman of Mariga Local Government Area, Aliyu Muhamadu, confirmed the incident and said most of the victims were women, while some men were also among those abducted.
He disclosed that one of the women reportedly gave birth while in captivity. The abductors have also contacted some relatives of the victims and allegedly demanded a ransom of ₦2 million for each person.
The council chairman said security operatives and local vigilantes had been mobilised to rescue the victims.
He added that the joint security team and vigilantes engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle at Alibani village after passing through Kasuwan-Garba and Biri. One vigilante reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation.
A source in Mariga LGA also told PUNCH that armed men were sighted moving between Mangoro and Wamba after emerging from the Dogon Dawa axis.
The source said the suspected abductors later moved into the Bariki Forest, also known as Ma’undu, where the victims are believed to be held.
Security forces are continuing efforts to locate and rescue the abducted farmers.
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