At least 35 women and children abducted in February 2024 by the notorious Sadiku-led terrorist group in Niger State have been rescued by security operatives, with some returning pregnant or nursing babies fathered by their abductors.
The women, originally kidnapped while returning from Pandogari market in Rafi and Shiroro LGAs, were found last week in commercial buses near Kagara.
Police said they were being transported from Palu-Waya forest, possibly to Kebbi State or Kaiji forest in Borgu, when one woman raised an alarm during a brief stop, leading to their rescue and the arrest of the driver.
Among the women rescued were four from Allawa, completing the return of the 25 originally abducted.
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Shockingly, police also confirmed that one of the victims is a missing Chibok schoolgirl. A cache of ammunition was also recovered from one of the bags.
The return of the women has however, ignited fear among community members who have been expressing concerns over psychological trauma and radicalisation.
Relatives and community members say some of the women (many of whom were married before abduction) are still loyal to the terrorists, some even refused to return home. One reportedly said she fell in love with her abductors and memorised their phone numbers.
“Some said they’d rather go back to the terrorists. One woman with a newborn claims she can still reach them,” a resident lamented, calling for urgent psychological support and deradicalisation.
The Sadiku gang has terrorised Shiroro for over five years, using the Allawa forest as their base. In February 2024 they attacked the community, killed six people and abducted many. In August 2024, a sad video circulated where a woman was pleading for her life while tied to a tree, with terrorists demanding ransom.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the rescue and said investigations are ongoing. He noted that the victims were undergoing medical checks, with efforts to fully reunite them with their families.
