Police Rescue 11 Abducted Women, Farmers, Arrest Suspects In Six States

The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of operational successes across six states in the last 48 hours, including the rescue of 11 abducted persons, the arrest of suspects linked to criminal activities and the recovery of livestock, motorcycles and firearms.Nigeria political analysis

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Police said five elderly women abducted by armed bandits while harvesting beans on a farm in Dansadau, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, were rescued unhurt following a confrontation between the assailants and security operatives.

The incident occurred on October 29, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m., when the bandits attacked the farm and killed a 35-year-old farmer before abducting the women.

Police tactical teams, supported by local vigilantes, pursued the attackers and engaged them in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee. The Police said bush-combing and tracking operations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In Niger State, a joint security operation involving the Police, military, Department of State Services, special hunters and local vigilantes rescued six farmers abducted from Mahangi Village, via Pandogari, in Rafi Local Government Area.

The operation, conducted on October 29, led security operatives to the bandits’ hideout, where the victims were successfully rescued. They were taken to the police division for profiling ahead of their reunion with their families.

Meanwhile, joint security forces in Kebbi State repelled an attack by suspected Lakurawa members on Ribah Town in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area.

The attackers reportedly struck at about 8:15 p.m. on October 30 after an earlier attempt to block Rambo Junction was foiled by security operatives. They later regrouped and opened fire from different directions but were engaged and repelled by the joint forces.

In Kano State, Police operatives arrested five suspects allegedly linked to the harbouring of criminals during an operation targeting individuals connected to the kidnapping of Alhaji Abdu Fanka, the APC chairman of Rogo Local Government Area.

The Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad reportedly stormed the residence of the suspects, but the principal suspects escaped after raising an alarm.

Operatives, however, arrested five persons and recovered 48 cows, 43 sheep and two Bajaj Boxer motorcycles during the operation.

In Katsina State, tactical teams foiled an attempted bandit attack on Karofi Village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.

The Police said operatives responded to a distress call at about 11:27 p.m. on October 29 and intercepted the attackers, engaging them in a gun duel that forced them to retreat into the bush.

No casualties were recorded among security personnel or civilians, while joint patrols and bush-combing operations continued.

In Lagos State, Police operatives arrested a 28-year-old suspected cultist identified as Ojo/Ojomu Bolanle, popularly known as “Burna”, following an armed robbery and shooting at Desa Bus Stop, Ibeju-Lekki.

The incident occurred on October 31 at about 11:30 a.m., when operatives responded to an ongoing robbery involving a Point of Sale operator, Ibrahim Adewale Moronfade, who was shot and later died.

A search conducted after the arrest led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, an expended cartridge and charms. The Police also said the stolen handbag and other property were traced to the robbery.

The Force said investigations into the incidents were ongoing, with the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments handling the cases in the affected states.