Police Rescue 6 Abducted Farmers in Niger, Record Major Operations in 5 Other States

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued six farmers who were abducted by suspected armed bandits in Mahangi Village, near Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State. The victims were rescued on October 29, 2026, during a joint 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 bandits to their hideout following the abduction of the farmers while they were working on their farms. The rescued victims were taken to the police division for profiling before being reunited with their families, while investigations commenced at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed that the rescue operation was among several security successes recorded across six states within 48 hours. In Zamfara State, police tactical teams and local vigilantes rescued five elderly women who were abducted while harvesting beans on a farm in Dansadau, Maru Local Government Area. The attack 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 victims and escape. The five women were rescued 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 regrouped and launched an assault from different directions after an earlier attempt to block Rambo Junction was foiled. Meanwhile, in Katsina State, police operatives also prevented a suspected bandit attack on Karofi Village, Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly fled into the bush following an exchange of gunfire with security personnel, with no casualties recorded among civilians or security operatives.

Other operations were recorded in Kano and Lagos states. In Kano, police arrested five persons suspected of harbouring criminals and recovered 48 cows, 43 sheep and two motorcycles during an operation linked to investigations into the abduction of an APC chairman in Rogo Local Government Area. In Lagos, police arrested a 28-year-old suspected cultist, identified as Ojo/Ojomu Bolanle, popularly known as Burna, in connection with an armed robbery that led to the death of a Point-of-Sale operator at Desa Bus Stop, Ibeju-Lekki. Police reportedly recovered a locally made pistol, an expended cartridge, charms, a stolen handbag and other property. Investigations into the various incidents are ongoing as the police continue efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects and strengthen security across the affected states.