The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 11 abducted persons, foiled several bandit attacks and arrested suspects in connection with murder, armed robbery, cultism and other crimes across the country in the last 48 hours.
The operational successes were recorded in Zamfara, Niger, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory and Anambra states, according to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu.
In Zamfara State, police tactical teams, working with local vigilantes, rescued five elderly women abducted by armed bandits while harvesting beans on a farm in Dansadau, Maru Local Government Area.
The rescue followed a gun duel between the security operatives and the attackers, who abandoned their captives and fled. However, a 35-year-old farmer was reportedly killed during the attack.
Similarly, a joint security operation involving the police, military, DSS, special hunters and local vigilantes rescued six farmers abducted at Mahangi Village in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
In Kebbi State, joint security forces repelled an attack on Ribah town in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area by suspected Lakurawa terrorists. The attackers had earlier attempted to block Rambo Junction before regrouping and launching another assault on the community.
However, another Lakurawa attack on Dan-Indo Village in Fakai Local Government Area of the state left nine people dead, while two vehicles and several motorcycles were burnt. Security operatives have commenced investigations and sustained operations in the area.
In Kano State, police arrested five suspects allegedly linked to the harbouring of criminals during an operation targeting persons connected with the kidnapping of the APC Chairman in Rogo Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdu Fanka.
The operation also led to the recovery of 48 cows, 43 sheep and two motorcycles, although the principal suspects reportedly escaped.
In Katsina State, police tactical teams foiled an attempted bandit attack on Karofi Village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to retreat into the bush. No casualty was recorded.
In Lagos, police arrested a 28-year-old suspected cultist, identified as Ojo/Ojomu Bolanle, also known as Burna, following an armed robbery at Desa Bus Stop, Ibeju-Lekki, during which a POS operator, Ibrahim Adewale Moronfade, was shot and later died.
A locally made pistol, an expended cartridge and charms were recovered from the suspect, while efforts were made to trace other stolen property.
Meanwhile, police in Zamfara launched a rescue operation after nine persons were abducted by bandits in the Upa area, near Kurya Madaro, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. Security personnel are combing surrounding forests to rescue the victims.
In Benue State, two suspects were arrested over the alleged defilement of a 16-year-old girl in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area, while efforts continued to apprehend the principal suspect.
In the Federal Capital Territory, police arrested two men, Mensur Abdullahi, 20, and Gambo Salisu, 30, over a violent confrontation in Gwagwalada that left a 19-year-old passer-by, Zaharadenu Awalu, with a severe cut on his left hand.
Also, two suspects were arrested in Anambra State over the alleged torture and death of a man accused of stealing a vehicle battery while in the custody of vigilante members at Odorober, Odekpe. Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest another suspect.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said investigations were continuing across the affected states, with security operatives intensifying efforts to arrest fleeing suspects, rescue abducted persons and prevent further criminal activities.
