POLICE RESCUE 11 ABDUCTED VICTIMS, FOIL BANDIT ATTACKS IN SIX STATES

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By: Muftau Fatimo

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 11 abducted victims and foiled several suspected bandit attacks across six states within 48 hours, as security operations intensify nationwide.

In Niger State, police operatives rescued six farmers abducted by armed bandits in Mahangi village, near Pandogari, in Rafi Local Government Area.

The victims were rescued on October 29, 2026, during a joint security operation involving the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), special hunters and local vigilantes.

The Niger State Police Command disclosed that security operatives tracked the suspected bandits to their hideout following the abduction of the farmers while working on their farms.

The rescued victims were taken to the police division for profiling before being reunited with their families, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, commenced an investigation.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, similar security successes were recorded in five other states.

In Zamfara State, police tactical teams, working with local vigilantes, rescued five elderly women abducted during an attack on a farm in Dansadau, Maru Local Government Area.

The attack, which occurred on October 29, reportedly claimed the life of a 35-year-old farmer, while the women were abducted during bean harvesting.

Police said security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee.

The five women were rescued unhurt, while operations to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects were ongoing.

In Kebbi State, joint security forces repelled an attack by suspected Lakurawa fighters on Ribah town in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area on October 30.

The attackers reportedly regrouped and launched an assault from different directions after security operatives foiled an earlier attempt to block Rambo Junction.

The security forces successfully repelled the attack, while the State Criminal Investigation Department, Birnin Kebbi, commenced an investigation.

Similarly, police operatives foiled an attempted bandit attack on Karofi village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The incident occurred at about 11:27 p.m. on October 29, following which tactical teams responded to a distress call and engaged the suspected bandits in a gun duel.

The attackers reportedly fled into the bush, with no casualties recorded among civilians or security personnel. Joint patrols and bush-combing operations were subsequently intensified in the area.

Meanwhile, police operatives in Kano State arrested five persons suspected of harbouring criminals and recovered 48 cows, 43 sheep and two motorcycles during an operation targeting suspected associates of kidnappers.

The operation followed investigations into the abduction of Alhaji Abdu Fanka, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Rogo Local Government Area.

Although the principal suspects reportedly escaped after raising an alarm, police arrested five persons during a raid on a residence allegedly linked to them.

The recovered livestock and motorcycles were taken into police custody, while the SCID, Bompai, is investigating the case.

In Lagos State, police arrested a 28-year-old suspected cultist in connection with an armed robbery that led to the death of a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator at Desa Bus Stop, Ibeju-Lekki.

The suspect, identified as Ojo/Ojomu Bolanle, popularly known as Burna, was alleged to be a member of the Aiye confraternity.

According to the police, the suspect was arrested on October 31 after operatives responded to the robbery incident.

The victim, Ibrahim Adewale Moronfade, reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and later died.

A search conducted by the police led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, an expended cartridge and charms. A stolen handbag and other property were also recovered.

The State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, has commenced an investigation into the incident.