Troops foil attempted kidnap of farmers in Niger

Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled an attempt by bandits to kidnap some farmers in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The development was contained in a post shared on Tuesday on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, who regularly reports on security issues across the country.

According to Makama, the incident occurred around 12:35 p.m. on June 22 along the Kukata-Kotonkoro road, where soldiers on patrol encountered suspected terrorists.

Security sources said attackers had moved into the area to abduct farmers working on their fields but fled when they saw the approaching troops.

“The terrorists ran away immediately they sighted the troops, abandoning their plan,” a source said.

Troops from the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Administration Battalion were said to be on a routine fighting patrol when the incident happened.

“Following the encounter, the soldiers maintained their presence in the area and continued patrols to prevent further attacks,” Makama wrote.