By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has repelled a bandit attack in Zamfara State, neutralised two suspected bandits and rescued five abducted persons, as security operations intensified across several states to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
The operation was among the security successes recorded on Sunday, October 18, 2026, which also included the rescue of an abducted farmer in Zamfara, arrests of suspected criminals in Imo, Ekiti, Ogun and Oyo states, and coordinated search operations to rescue other abducted persons in Kebbi and Niger states.
According to an official operational summary issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, police operatives at Fegi Kanawa, supported by units from Fegi Mahe and reinforcements from the headquarters, engaged a large group of armed bandits in a gun duel and successfully repelled the attack.
Two suspected bandits were neutralised, while five abducted persons were rescued unharmed. No casualty was recorded among police personnel.
In a separate incident in Zamfara State, police tactical teams, working with local vigilantes, traced the escape route of bandits who abducted 11 farmers at Kamfanin Madam Village in Maru Local Government Area.
One of the victims, Nafi’u Abubakar Sarki, was rescued unharmed, while operations continued to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
In Imo State, operatives of the Quick Intervention Unit arrested two suspected members of a car-snatching syndicate allegedly operating in Owerri and neighbouring South-East states.
Information obtained from the suspects reportedly identified the gang leader, other stolen vehicles and two AK-47 rifles. The police said efforts were ongoing to recover the weapons and vehicles and arrest other fleeing suspects.
In Ekiti State, four suspects were arrested in connection with the death of a 40-year-old man during a violent altercation at Fayose Market in Ado-Ekiti. Police intervention following a protest by market stakeholders restored calm and enabled the market to reopen for normal business activities.
Similarly, police operatives in Ogun State arrested four suspects following a violent confrontation between two local security groups at Owode-Afon. Normalcy was restored, while efforts continued to rescue two security operatives reportedly abducted during the incident.
In Oyo State, police operatives responding to an armed robbery incident in Imeko Community arrested one suspect. The suspect is undergoing interrogation and identification procedures, while efforts continue to apprehend other fleeing gang members and recover stolen property.
Security operations were also intensified in Kebbi State following an attack by suspected terrorists in Yanga Village, Bunza Local Government Area. Police tactical units, military personnel and vigilante groups were deployed to conduct coordinated patrols and bush-combing operations aimed at rescuing abducted persons and apprehending the fleeing attackers.
In another incident, police tactical teams and local vigilantes launched search operations following attacks by suspected bandits on farmers in Dogo Fadama and Barummi villages. The operational summary listed Nasarawa State in its heading but identified Kontagora Local Government Area, which is in Niger State, as the location of the incident. Five persons were reportedly abducted.
Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, police operatives responding to a violent altercation in Golantabal Village, Song Local Government Area, recovered two machetes and a knife from the scene as exhibits.
In Akwa Ibom State, the police provided security coverage during a visit by the President of the Senate, deploying personnel to critical infrastructure, flashpoints and waterways. Stop-and-search operations and statewide preventive patrols were also conducted to maintain public peace and ensure a hitch-free visit.
The police said the reported cases were under investigation by the relevant State Criminal Investigation Departments, while efforts continued to rescue remaining abductees, recover stolen property and apprehend fleeing suspects.
