Police Rescue Six Abducted Farmers in Niger, Foil Attacks Across Six States
Joint security operatives have rescued six farmers kidnapped in Niger State, while police also reported rescuing five abducted women and preventing several attacks in other parts of the country.
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued six farmers abducted by suspected bandits in Mahangi village, near Pandogari, in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State. The victims were rescued on October 29, 2026, during a coordinated security operation involving the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), special hunters and local vigilantes. According to the Niger State Police Command, security operatives tracked the suspected kidnappers to their hideout after the farmers were abducted while working on their farms. Following their rescue, the victims were taken to a police division for profiling before being reunited with their families, while the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna commenced an investigation.
The rescue operation was among several security successes recorded across six states within 48 hours, according to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu. In Zamfara State, police tactical teams working with local vigilantes rescued five elderly women who were abducted while harvesting beans on a farm in Dansadau, Maru Local Government Area. The attack, which occurred on October 29, reportedly resulted in the death of a 35-year-old farmer. Security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the women and escape. The rescued victims were reportedly unharmed, while efforts continued to track down the fleeing suspects.
In Kebbi State, joint security forces successfully repelled an attack by suspected Lakurawa fighters on Ribah town in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area on October 30. The attackers reportedly launched an assault from different directions after an earlier attempt to block Rambo Junction was foiled. Similarly, police operatives prevented an attempted bandit attack on Karofi village in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State after responding to a distress call at about 11:27 p.m. on October 29. The suspected attackers reportedly retreated into the bush following an exchange of gunfire, with no civilian or security personnel casualties reported.
Meanwhile, police operations in Kano and Lagos states also resulted in arrests and recoveries. In Kano, five persons suspected of harbouring criminals were arrested during an operation linked to the abduction of Alhaji Abdu Fanka, the APC chairman in Rogo Local Government Area. Officers recovered 48 cows, 43 sheep and two motorcycles, although the principal suspects reportedly escaped. In Lagos, a 28-year-old suspected cultist identified as Ojo/Ojomu Bolanle, popularly known as Burna, was arrested in connection with an armed robbery that led to the death of a Point-of-Sale operator, Ibrahim Adewale Moronfade, at Desa Bus Stop in Ibeju-Lekki. Police reportedly recovered a locally made pistol, an expended cartridge, charms and other stolen property. Investigations into the various incidents are ongoing.
