ABUJA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian police on Tuesday confirmed that security operatives thwarted an attack by suspected bandits in the north-central state of Niger, rescuing at least 15 abducted victims.
Scores of bandits were injured and escaped into a forest in the gunfight with joint security tactical teams during the rescue operation late Monday, the police in the state said in a statement.
The security teams had got a tip-off that the suspected armed bandits were sighted around Jellako village in the state's Rafi local government area and swooped on them, according to the police.
"While the hoodlums scampered for their lives, they abandoned two of their motorcycles, and 15 victims who were abducted at different locations in the state," the police said, noting the victims were rescued unhurt by the teams and taken to a nearby hospital.
The police added the victims will later be reunited with their families after the medical attention.
Armed attacks have been a primary security threat in Nigeria's northern and central regions, leading to deaths and kidnappings in recent months. ■
