20 kidnap victims have been rescued by the police following an attack by bandits at Nasko, Magama LGA of Niger state.

Spokesperson of the command, Wasiu Abiodun said the attack occurred on Saturday February 12. He also disclosed that the attackers rustled a large number of cattle.

The police sent for reinforcement and military operatives and vigilantes joined in combing the area.

A two-hour fierce gun battle later ensued on Ibeto cattle route, while the bandits were trying to escape with the cattle. Scores of bandits were killed in the process and a large herd of cattle recovered.

Items recovered at the scene include one AK-47 magazine with 30 rounds of live ammunition, seven telephone sets and one Honda motorcycle.

The police also raided a bandits’ hideout at Anaba hilltop area of Magama on Sunday February 13, where one Ak-47 rifle and 13 rounds of live ammunition, hidden between rocks were recovered.

Abiodun further urged residents of the state to collaborate with the police in ridding the state of banditry and other crimes.