Police Neutralise Bandits, Rescue Victims, Arrest 21 Suspects

The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of operational successes across eight states, including the neutralisation of bandits, rescue of kidnapped victims, arrests of suspected criminals and recovery of firearms and illicit drugs.

In Sokoto State, police tactical teams foiled an impending bandit attack on Yadiya Village on September 6, neutralising four suspects during a gun battle and recovering an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 28 rounds of ammunition.

No security personnel or villagers were injured.

In Rivers State, police operatives rescued 41-year-old Kingsley Aleaga, who had been held captive for four days, during an operation in Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area. Three suspects were arrested and suspected hard drugs recovered.

In Niger State, police engaged bandits who attacked Pelegi Community in Mashegu LGA, neutralising one suspect.

Five victims were abducted during the attack, while efforts to rescue them and arrest the fleeing assailants continue.

Police also reported that PMF personnel in Kebbi State engaged armed terrorists in a gun battle lasting more than two hours after coming under attack during a routine patrol.

Several attackers were reportedly neutralised, while reinforcements restored normalcy in the area.

In Abia State, four suspects were arrested over an alleged attempt to negotiate the sale of a one-year-four-month-old child. The child was rescued and placed in protective custody.

In Anambra State, Rapid Response Squad operatives raided a suspected drug hideout in Umuota Village, Obosi, arresting five alleged major illicit drug dealers. Suspected cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine and Colorado, as well as ₦19,000 cash, were recovered.

In Katsina State, police and local tactical teams engaged heavily armed bandits who attacked communities in Bakori LGA, forcing the attackers to retreat and restoring normalcy.

Meanwhile, two suspected bandits were arrested in Kwara State following intelligence-led operations. Police recovered ₦770,000, two Infinix phones, a locally made bulletproof vest and a power bank.

Also in Kwara, police arrested 25-year-old Afolabi Ayomide after he allegedly threatened residents with a firearm at Avalon Hotel, Offa.

A locally crafted Beretta pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition was recovered.

In Cross River State, police rescued two severely injured victims allegedly assaulted over an unconfirmed accusation of stealing.

They were taken to General Hospital, Calabar, for treatment, while the principal suspect was arrested.

The police said all the cases are under investigation by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments.