The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 11 kidnapped victims, apprehended 19 suspects and recovered 91 stolen livestock, comprising 48 cows and 43 sheep, during security operations across several states in the past 48 hours.
The operations also resulted in the recovery of firearms, stolen valuables and motorcycles, as well as the disruption of several attempted bandit attacks.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, announced the achievements in a statement on Tuesday, describing the operations as part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, cultism, cattle rustling and other criminal activities.
He added that investigations and follow-up operations were underway to track down fleeing suspects, rescue additional victims and recover stolen property.
In Zamfara State, police tactical teams, working alongside local vigilantes, rescued five elderly women who were abducted by armed bandits while harvesting beans in Dansadau, Maru Local Government Area.
The victims regained their freedom after a gun battle forced their abductors to flee. However, a 35-year-old farmer was killed during the incident.
In Niger State, a joint security team comprising police officers, military personnel, Department of State Services operatives, special hunters and vigilantes rescued six farmers kidnapped in Mahangi village, near Pandogari in Rafi Local Government Area.
The rescued victims were taken to a police division for documentation before being reunited with their families.
In Kebbi State, security operatives repelled an attack by suspected Lakurawa terrorists on Ribah town in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area on October 30. The attackers had reportedly attempted to block Rambo Junction.
The incident came after an earlier attack on Dan-Indo village in Fakai Local Government Area, where nine people were killed and two vehicles, alongside several motorcycles, were set ablaze.
The police said security personnel had been deployed to maintain order and sustain operations against the suspected terrorists.
Also in Zamfara State, police officers and soldiers commenced a joint search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of nine people at Upa, near Kurya Madaro in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. Security teams are searching surrounding forests to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.
In Kano State, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrested five suspects accused of harbouring criminals in connection with the abduction of the APC Chairman of Rogo Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdu Fanka.
Although the principal suspects reportedly escaped, police recovered 48 cows, 43 sheep and two Bajaj Boxer motorcycles from the location.
In Katsina State, tactical teams prevented a suspected bandit attack on Karofi village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area after responding to a distress call. The gunmen reportedly fled into the bush following an exchange of gunfire, with no casualties recorded.
In Lagos State, police arrested a 28-year-old suspected cultist, Ojo/Ojomu Bolanle, also known as Burna, over an armed robbery at Desa Bus Stop, Ibeju-Lekki. The incident led to the killing of a Point-of-Sale operator, Ibrahim Adewale Moronfade.
Items recovered from the suspect included a locally made pistol, an expended cartridge and charms.
In Benue State, two suspects were arrested over the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area.
According to the police, a medical examination conducted at General Hospital, Naka, confirmed penetration. Efforts were ongoing to apprehend the principal suspect, who remained at large.
In the Federal Capital Territory, police arrested two suspects, Mensur Abdullahi, 20, and Gambo Salisu, 30, following a violent confrontation in Gwagwalada over a stolen Tecno phone.
A 19-year-old passer-by, Zaharadenu Awalu, sustained a deep cut on his left hand during the incident and received treatment at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. The police said efforts were ongoing to track down other suspects.
In Anambra State, two people were arrested over the death of a man who was allegedly tortured and detained overnight by vigilante members at Odorober, Odekpe, following an accusation that he stole a vehicle battery.
In Oyo State, police arrested a 30-year-old suspected cattle rustler, Yali Isiya, after a gun battle between a joint police-vigilante patrol team and a four-man gang along the Maya-Adekola village axis in Lanlate.
A vigilante member sustained injuries during the encounter and was taken to hospital, while the remaining gang members escaped.
In a separate incident in Ogbomoso, three students were arrested following an alleged attack on Methodist Grammar School by students reportedly armed with cutlasses, knives and stones.
One student sustained injuries, while solar panels and classroom roofing materials valued at approximately N500,000 were reportedly damaged. Police recovered two cutlasses, a catapult and stones.
In Ogun State, two suspected burglars, Bidemi Akinola, 23, and Qudus Adebayo, 22, were arrested in connection with a break-in at Igbehinadun Street.
The suspects allegedly admitted to stealing items worth N4.085 million, including a 55-inch television, air conditioners, generators and electrical wires. Police also recovered tools and stolen cables.
Meanwhile, police patrol teams in the FCT responded to an attack by suspected cattle rustlers on a Fulani settlement in Phase 5, Kurudu, on October 30.
Four people sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to Nyanya General Hospital. Three were treated and discharged, while the fourth victim died.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-led operations and stronger cooperation with other security agencies and local communities to combat criminal activities and enhance public safety across the country.