Four tree cutters who were abducted by suspected bandits have regained their freedom following a police operation in Niger State. The victims were rescued by operatives of the Niger State Police Command after an encounter with armed criminals in the Kankara area of the state.

According to a security update shared by analyst Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred on February 3, 2026. Police officers on routine patrol along the Ketare–Kankara Road noticed suspicious movements inside the Makulawa forest and moved in to investigate the situation.

The officers reportedly engaged the suspected bandits, forcing them to flee further into the bush. During the operation, the police successfully rescued the four abducted men without harm. The victims were identified as Ibrahim Dauda, Yakubu Aliyu, Hamisu Saidu, and Aminu Garba, all residents of Malumfashi Township.

Security sources confirmed that the rescued men were later reunited with their families. They also disclosed that key escape routes used by the bandits were blocked, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects as part of sustained security operations in the area.