Police Rescue 11 Abducted Victims, Arrest 12 Suspects Nationwide
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 11 abducted persons, arrested 12 suspects and recovered stolen livestock, firearms and other items in security operations across several states in the past 48 hours.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in an operational update detailing successes recorded across the country between October 29 and 31, 2026.
In Zamfara State, police tactical teams and vigilantes rescued five elderly women abducted by bandits while harvesting beans in Dansadau, Maru Local Government Area (LGA), after a gun battle forced their captors to flee. However, nine other persons abducted from the Upa area of Kaura Namoda LGA remain in captivity as police and military personnel intensify forest searches.
In Niger State, a joint operation involving the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), special hunters and vigilantes rescued six farmers abducted in Mahangi Village, Rafi LGA. In Katsina State, police also foiled a bandit attack on Karofi Village, Dutsin-Ma LGA, forcing the assailants to retreat without casualties.
Meanwhile, security forces repelled a suspected Lakurawa attack on Ribah, Danko Wasagu LGA, Kebbi State, on October 30. However, an earlier attack on Dan-Indo Village, Fakai LGA, on October 29 left nine people dead, with two vehicles and several motorcycles burnt.
In Kano State, police arrested five suspects allegedly linked to harbouring criminals and recovered 48 cows, 43 sheep and two motorcycles during an operation targeting suspects connected to the abduction of the APC chairman of Rogo LGA, Alhaji Abdu Fanka.
In Lagos, police arrested a 28-year-old suspected cultist, identified as Ojo/Ojomu Bolanle, also known as Burna, following an armed robbery during which a point-of-sale operator, Ibrahim Adewale Moronfade, was shot and later died. A locally made pistol, an expended cartridge and charms were recovered. In Benue, two suspects were arrested over the alleged defilement of a 16-year-old girl, while efforts continue to apprehend the principal suspect.
In the Federal Capital Territory, police arrested two suspects following a violent fight in Gwagwalada over a stolen mobile phone that left a 19-year-old passer-by with a severe hand injury. In Anambra State, two suspects were arrested over the death of a man allegedly tortured and detained by vigilante members over a suspected vehicle-battery theft. Investigations and efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects are ongoing.
