Within a 48-hour operational window, the Nigeria Police Force successfully liberated 11 abducted individuals, detained 19 criminal suspects, and retrieved 91 rustled farm animals comprising 48 cows and 43 sheep across several regions nationwide.
Announcing the security breakthroughs via an official statement, the Force Public Relations Officer detailed that the aggressive sweeps also yielded firearms, stolen valuables, and motorcycles, successfully thwarting multiple planned bandit incursions. Follow-up investigations remain active to track down escaping accomplices, rescue additional hostages, and recover more looted assets.
What happened during the Zamfara and Niger operations?
In Zamfara State, tactical police units paired with local vigilantes liberated five elderly women who had been seized by armed bandits while harvesting beans in Dansadau, located within the Maru Local Government Area. The captives regained their freedom after an intense firefight compelled the assailants to retreat, though a 35-year-old farmer tragically lost his life during the assault. Concurrently, security forces and military personnel in Zamfara launched extensive bush-combing initiatives near Kurya Madaro in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area to rescue nine other persons abducted at Upa.
Meanwhile, in Niger State, a coalition of police officers, military personnel, Department of State Services operatives, hunters, and vigilantes freed six farmers who were earlier seized at Mahangi village close to Pandogari in Rafi Local Government Area. The liberated individuals were subsequently transferred to a police division for official documentation before reuniting with their families.
How did security forces respond in Kebbi and Kano?
In Kebbi State, combined security units successfully repelled an incursion by suspected Lakurawa terrorists targeting Ribah town in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area on October 30, following an attempt by the aggressors to barricade Rambo Junction. This engagement followed a prior raid on Dan-Indo village in Fakai Local Government Area where nine people were killed and multiple vehicles torched.
In Kano State, operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad apprehended five individuals accused of sheltering criminals linked to the abduction of the All Progressives Congress chairman for Rogo Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdu Fanka. Although the primary suspects managed to evade capture, officers recovered 48 cows, 43 sheep, and two motorcycles from the hideout.
What other incidents were recorded across different states?
In Katsina State, tactical teams intercepted an impending raid on Karofi village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area following a distress call, prompting the gunmen to flee into nearby woodlands without recording any casualties.
In Lagos State, law enforcement detained a 28-year-old suspected cultist known as Ojo/Ojomu Bolanle in connection with an armed robbery at Desa Bus Stop, Ibeju-Lekki, which led to the fatal shooting of a Point-of-Sale operator, Ibrahim Adewale Moronfade. Recovered items included a locally made pistol and charms.
In Benue State, two suspects were arrested over the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area, with medical confirmation established at the General Hospital, Naka, while a manhunt continues for the principal suspect.
Within the Federal Capital Territory, two individuals were arrested over a violent altercation in Gwagwalada involving a stolen Tecno phone, which left a 19-year-old passer-by injured. In a separate FCT incident on October 30, patrol teams responded to a cattle rustlers' assault on a Fulani settlement in Phase 5, Kurudu, which left one victim dead and three others injured.
In Anambra State, two persons faced arrest regarding the death of a man allegedly tortured overnight by vigilante members in Odekpe over a stolen car battery. In Oyo State, a suspected cattle rustler was nabbed along the Lanlate axis following a gun duel, and three students were apprehended in Ogbomoso after an invasion of Methodist Grammar School.
Finally, in Ogun State, two suspected burglars were taken into custody on Igbehinadun Street after allegedly confessing to stealing properties worth N4.085 million, including a 55-inch television and generators. The police have reaffirmed their dedication to intelligence-led strategies and community partnerships to safeguard lives and property across the country.