Bandits flee as police, vigilante rescue 11 kidnap victims in Niger

On July 11, 2026, police tactical operatives and local vigilantes rescued 11 kidnap victims after a gun battle with suspected bandits near Mangoro Village in Mariga Local Government Area, Niger State. The victims, including Alhaji Sale, Muhammadu, Abubakar Ibrahim, and others from Beri, Dogon-Fadama, and Kagara communities, were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families. The bandits fled into the bush, abandoning the victims and rustled cattle. Security forces continue combing the area to apprehend the fleeing suspects.