Police rescue six abducted farmers in Niger, foil attacks across six states
Joint Security Operation Rescues Abducted Farmers in Niger State
NIGER STATE, Nigeria — On October 29, 2026, a collaborative operation involving police, military personnel, the Department of State Services (DSS), local vigilantes, and special hunters resulted in the rescue of several farmers abducted while working on their fields.
According to the Niger State Police Command, security operatives tracked the suspected bandits to their hideout following reports of the abduction. The victims were taken to the police division for profiling before being reunited with their families. Subsequently, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna launched an investigation into the incident.
CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, highlighted that this operation was part of a series of successful security efforts executed by the Nigeria Police Force across six states within a span of 48 hours.
In a parallel incident in Zamfara State on the same day, police tactical teams, working alongside local vigilantes, rescued five elderly women who had been abducted during an attack on a farm in Dansadau, located in the Maru Local Government Area. The attack, which resulted in the death of a 35-year-old farmer, occurred while the women were harvesting beans. Authorities reported that security operatives engaged the assailants in a gunfight, compelling the attackers to flee and leaving the women unharmed. Ongoing tracking operations aim to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In Kebbi State, suspected Lakurawa fighters attempted to assault Ribah town in the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area on October 30. After an initial attempt to block Rambo Junction was thwarted, the attackers regrouped and launched a renewed assault. Joint security forces successfully repelled the attack, and the State Criminal Investigation Department in Birnin Kebbi has initiated an investigation into the incident.
In Katsina State, police intervened to thwart a bandit attack on Karofi Village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area on October 29 at approximately 11:27 p.m. Following a distress call, police tactical teams engaged the suspected bandits in a gun battle. The attackers retreated into the bush, and no casualties were reported among civilians or security personnel. Law enforcement has intensified joint patrols and bush-combing operations in the area.
Meanwhile, in Kano State, authorities arrested five individuals believed to be harboring criminals and recovered 48 cows, 43 sheep, and two motorcycles during a targeted operation related to the abduction of Alhaji Abdu Fanka, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Rogo Local Government Area. Although the primary suspects escaped after raising an alarm, police arrested five individuals linked to the case during a raid on a related residence. The recovered livestock and motorcycles are currently in police custody, and the SCID in Bompai is conducting further investigations.
In Lagos State, police apprehended a 28-year-old suspected cultist in connection with an armed robbery that resulted in the death of a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator at Desa Bus Stop, Ibeju-Lekki. Identified as Ojo/Ojomu Bolanle, known as “Burna,” he was arrested on October 31 following the robbery incident. The victim, Ibrahim Adewale Moronfade, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and later succumbed to his injuries. A police search recovered a locally made pistol, an expended cartridge, charms, and a stolen handbag, while the SCID in Panti is conducting further investigations.
