Police kill five bandits, neutralise several terrorists in nationwide operations

The Nigeria Police Force has neutralised at least five bandits and several armed terrorists in separate operations in Sokoto, Niger and Kebbi states, while rescuing a kidnapped victim and arresting suspects linked to child trafficking, illicit drugs and banditry.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this on Monday in the Force’s state-by-state executive summary of operational successes recorded across the country.

Iniedu said police tactical teams in Sokoto State foiled an impending attack on Yadiya Village following credible intelligence about an attack planned by armed bandits.

He said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the VCRU engaged the attackers in a gun battle, while subsequent bush-combing operations led to the neutralisation of four bandits.

According to him, the operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 28 rounds of live ammunition.

Iniedu added that no security personnel or villagers were killed or injured during the operation.

In Niger State, the FPRO said police operatives engaged armed bandits who attacked Pelegi Community in Mashegu Local Government Area.

He disclosed that one bandit was neutralised during the gun battle, while five victims were abducted in the attack.

Iniedu said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims unharmed and arrest the fleeing bandits.

In Kebbi State, he said Police Mobile Force personnel on routine patrol came under heavy attack from armed terrorists.

According to him, the ensuing gun battle lasted more than two hours, during which several attackers were neutralised.

He said other attackers fled with gunshot wounds and casualties following the engagement.

Iniedu disclosed that reinforcements were deployed to the area and successfully restored normalcy.

In Rivers State, the FPRO said police operatives rescued 41-year-old Kingsley Aleaga, who had allegedly been held captive for four days.

He said the victim was rescued unharmed during an operation at Ogale in Eleme Local Government Area, while three suspects were arrested.

Quantities of suspected hard drugs were also recovered during the operation, he added.

In Abia State, Iniedu said four suspects were arrested over an alleged attempt to negotiate the sale of a one-year-four-month-old child.

He disclosed that the child was rescued and placed in protective custody.

In Anambra State, the FPRO said Rapid Response Squad operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Umuota Village, Obosi.

He said five suspected major illicit drug dealers were arrested during the operation.

According to him, operatives recovered large quantities of suspected cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, cocaine and Colorado, as well as other exhibits and N19,000 cash.

In Katsina State, Iniedu said joint police and local tactical teams engaged heavily armed bandits who attacked communities in Bakori Local Government Area.

He said the tactical operation forced the bandits to retreat and restored normalcy to the affected communities.

In Kwara State, the FPRO disclosed that police operatives working with local vigilantes arrested two suspects allegedly involved in kidnapping and banditry.

He said the operation resulted in the recovery of N770,000 cash, two Infinix smartphones, a locally made bulletproof vest and a power bank.

Iniedu said the operations demonstrated the Force’s continued reliance on intelligence-led policing and tactical operations, as well as collaboration with local security actors to combat banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, trafficking, illicit drug activities and other forms of crime.

He added that the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments were investigating the cases.

Dear Vows