Police capture kidnap suspects linked to abduction of 10 villagers in Niger

The police have arrested four suspected kidnappers believed to be connected to the abduction of ten people between Koso Likoro and Soba villages in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The development was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama on Friday.

According to the post, security operatives traced the suspects to a hideout around Ibbi Forest, where a joint operation led to the arrest of three men identified as Sanda Dan, Mallam Wantau, and Atiku.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed and named several accomplices, including Buba Maiyara, Mantile Alh Majo, and Bilya Musa Baushe, all residents of Koso village.

Makama also reported that in a follow-up operation, the police arrested Manu Malami Shehu Maiyara, who confirmed that his son, Buba Maiyara, along with others, had been involved in the kidnappings and cattle rustling in the area.

Sources told Makama that the case is still under investigation as security agencies continue efforts to dismantle the wider network involved.