Police rescue 11 abductees, arrest suspects

Police operatives have rescued 11 abducted persons, arrested suspects in separate criminal cases and recovered 48 cows, 43 sheep and two motorcycles in coordinated operations across the country in the last 48 hours.

The operations, which covered the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 10 States, also saw security operatives repel suspected bandits in Kebbi and Katsina States.

In Zamfara State, five elderly women abducted by armed bandits while harvesting beans on a farm in Dansadau, Maru Local Government Area, were rescued unhurt after police tactical teams and local vigilantes engaged the attackers in a gun duel.

The incident, which occurred on October 29, saw the bandits reportedly abandoning the women and fleeing following the security operatives' intervention.

Six farmers abducted at Mahangi village, via Pandogari in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, were also rescued during a joint operation involving the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), special hunters and local vigilantes.

In Kebbi State, joint security forces repelled an attack by suspected Lakurawa terrorists on Ribah town in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area on October 30.

The attackers reportedly regrouped and opened fire from different directions after security operatives had thwarted an earlier attempt to block Rambo Junction.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, in a statement on these incidents on Sunday, reported operatives of the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad arrested five persons suspected of harbouring criminals during an operation targeting suspects linked to the abduction of Alhaji Abdu Fanka, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Rogo Local Government Area.

Although the principal suspects escaped after raising the alarm, the operatives recovered 48 cows, 43 sheep and two Bajaj Boxer motorcycles from the residence.

In Katsina State, police tactical teams foiled an attempted bandit attack on Karofi village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area following a distress call.

The operatives engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat into the bush.

No casualties were recorded among civilians or security personnel.

In Lagos State, police arrested a 28-year-old suspected cultist, identified as Ojo/Ojomu Bolanle, also known as Burna, following an armed robbery at Desa Bus Stop, Ibeju-Lekki.

The suspect, alleged to be a member of the Aiye confraternity, was arrested after a Point of Sale (POS) operator, Ibrahim Adewale Moronfade, was shot during the robbery.

The police said a search reportedly led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, an expended cartridge and charms, while the police also traced a stolen handbag and other property to the robbery.

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), two suspects, Mensur Abdullahi, 20, and Gambo Salisu, 30, were arrested over a violent confrontation in Gwagwalada.

The police said the incident followed an argument over a snatched Tecno mobile phone, which escalated into a group fight.

A 19-year-old passer-by, Zaharadenu Awalu, sustained a severe cut on his left hand and was treated at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH).

In Benue State, two suspects were arrested over the alleged defilement of a 16-year-old girl in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area.

The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the principal suspect.