Security operations across Nigeria have resulted in the rescue of 11 kidnapped persons, the arrest of 19 suspected criminals and the recovery of 91 stolen livestock, as the Nigeria Police Force steps up efforts to contain criminal activities in different parts of the country.
The latest operations, carried out within a 48-hour period, exposed several criminal incidents ranging from cattle rustling and armed robbery to kidnapping, suspected terrorism, burglary and violent attacks on communities.
Among the significant developments were the liberation of abducted farmers in Niger and Zamfara states, the recovery of dozens of animals in Kano and the disruption of suspected bandit attacks in Katsina and Kebbi states.
The police also made arrests in connection with a fatal robbery in Lagos, alleged sexual assault in Benue, school violence in Oyo and burglary in Ogun.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, announced the developments on Tuesday, saying the interventions reflected the force’s continued determination to confront security threats through intelligence gathering, tactical deployments and cooperation with other security organisations.
He explained that investigations had not ended with the arrests, as operatives were still pursuing individuals who escaped and working to recover additional stolen property.
Abducted farmers return home after security intervention
The rescue of five elderly women in Dansadau, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was among the major successes recorded during the operations.
The women were reportedly seized by armed men while working on their bean farms. Their captors, however, abandoned them after encountering resistance from police operatives and local vigilantes who moved into the area.
Although the intervention secured the freedom of the five women, a 35-year-old farmer lost his life during the attack.
Another rescue operation in Niger State brought six kidnapped farmers back to safety. They had been abducted from Mahangi village, close to Pandogari, in Rafi Local Government Area.
Police officers, soldiers, DSS personnel, hunters and community vigilantes participated in the operation. The rescued farmers were subsequently taken to a police facility for necessary documentation and reunion with their relatives.
However, the security situation in Zamfara remained a concern, with nine additional people reportedly abducted at Upa, near Kurya Madaro in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Police and military personnel have since begun searching nearby forests in an attempt to locate the victims and identify their abductors.
91 cows and sheep recovered during Kano operation
A separate operation in Kano State yielded a significant recovery of livestock believed to have been taken through criminal activities.
Five individuals were arrested by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad over allegations that they provided shelter for criminals linked to the abduction of Alhaji Abdu Fanka, the APC chairman in Rogo Local Government Area.
The principal suspects reportedly escaped before the security team could apprehend them.
Nevertheless, the operatives recovered 48 cows, 43 sheep and two Bajaj Boxer motorcycles from the location.
The recovery represents one of the notable interventions against cattle rustling recorded in the latest nationwide operations.
Terror suspects face resistance in Northern communities
Residents of Ribah town in Kebbi State were spared a potentially serious attack after security personnel confronted suspected Lakurawa terrorists on October 30.
The attackers reportedly attempted to obstruct Rambo Junction in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area before encountering resistance from security operatives.
The development came after an earlier assault on Dan-Indo village in Fakai Local Government Area, where nine people were killed. The attackers also reportedly destroyed two vehicles and several motorcycles by setting them ablaze.
Security personnel have maintained their presence in the affected areas to prevent further attacks.
In Katsina, a similar intervention prevented suspected bandits from carrying out an attack on Karofi village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.
The police said officers responded after receiving information about the planned assault. A gunfight followed, forcing the attackers to withdraw into the surrounding bush. No casualties were reported.
Lagos robbery investigation leads to arrest
The investigation into a robbery that claimed the life of a Point-of-Sale operator in Lagos has also produced an arrest.
Police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Ojo/Ojomu Bolanle, popularly called Burna, who was apprehended over the incident at Desa Bus Stop in Ibeju-Lekki.
The deceased victim was identified as Ibrahim Adewale Moronfade.
During the arrest, officers reportedly recovered a locally manufactured pistol, an expended cartridge and charms.
In Benue State, two people were arrested over the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area.
Medical findings from General Hospital, Naka, reportedly confirmed penetration. Police, however, disclosed that the principal suspect had yet to be arrested.
School violence and property crimes under investigation
Oyo State also featured prominently in the police report, with separate incidents involving suspected cattle rustlers and alleged student violence.
In Lanlate, a police-vigilante patrol team encountered a four-man gang along the Maya-Adekola village axis. The confrontation resulted in the arrest of 30-year-old Yali Isiya, while other members of the group escaped.
One vigilante operative sustained injuries and was taken to hospital.
Meanwhile, three students were arrested following an alleged violent invasion of Methodist Grammar School in Ogbomoso.
The attackers were reportedly carrying dangerous objects, including cutlasses, knives and stones. One student sustained injuries during the incident, while school facilities suffered damage estimated at approximately ₦500,000.
Two cutlasses, a catapult and stones were recovered by the police.
In Ogun State, two young men, Bidemi Akinola, 23, and Qudus Adebayo, 22, were arrested over an alleged burglary at Igbehinadun Street.
The suspects were accused of taking household and electrical equipment worth about ₦4.085 million. The stolen items reportedly included a television, air conditioners, generators and electrical cables.
Police investigate deaths and violent clashes
In the Federal Capital Territory, a disagreement over a stolen Tecno mobile phone reportedly escalated into a violent confrontation in Gwagwalada, resulting in the arrest of Mensur Abdullahi, 20, and Gambo Salisu, 30.
A 19-year-old passer-by, Zaharadenu Awalu, was injured during the disturbance and received medical attention at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.
Another incident in Kurudu involved an attack on a Fulani settlement by suspected cattle rustlers on October 30. Four residents suffered gunshot wounds and were rushed to Nyanya General Hospital. Three were discharged after treatment, but the fourth victim died.
In Anambra State, two arrests were made following the death of a man allegedly subjected to torture while being held overnight by vigilante members at Odorober, Odekpe. He had reportedly been accused of stealing a vehicle battery.
The police said the circumstances surrounding the death were being investigated.
The force maintained that its operations would continue, with particular attention to intelligence sharing, community cooperation and the arrest of individuals connected to violent crimes.
It also urged sustained collaboration among security agencies and residents as efforts continue to improve public safety across the country.
About The Author
