June 22 (THEWILL) — Security agencies recorded significant operational successes in Ondo and Kaduna states over the weekend, thwarting kidnapping attempts, rescuing victims, neutralising suspected bandits, recovering rustled livestock and restoring public order in troubled communities.
In Ondo State, the Police Command foiled two separate kidnap attempts in Owo Local Government Area, rescuing all victims and forcing the attackers to abandon their operations following swift security interventions.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incidents occurred within hours of each other on Sunday, June 21.
The first attack took place at about 7:05 p.m. when a six-man armed gang invaded the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area, Owo, with the intention of abducting him.
The police said a distress call prompted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Owo, to mobilise a patrol team to the scene. On arrival, officers engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee into the surrounding bush.
“The superior tactical response and determination of the Police operatives forced the criminals to retreat into the surrounding bush, abandoning their plan,” the statement said.
Pastor Taiwo and members of his family were rescued unharmed and subsequently relocated to a secure location for their safety.
In a related incident later that night, armed kidnappers attacked the residence of 39-year-old Daniel Ologun at Gbegun Community along Alhaja Camp, off Housing Estate, Owo.
During the attack, Ologun sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg, while the assailants abducted his wife, Taibat Ologun, 34, and their two children, aged four and two years, into a nearby forest.
Police operatives immediately launched a rescue operation, deploying personnel to track the kidnappers. The sustained pressure mounted by security forces reportedly disrupted the criminals’ movement.
In a joint search-and-rescue operation involving police officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army, Mrs Ologun and her two children were rescued unharmed at about 1:50 a.m. on Monday. The kidnappers fled the area, reportedly with gunshot injuries.
The injured victim was evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he is receiving treatment and responding positively.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, directed that the rescued victims be debriefed to aid ongoing investigations and intelligence gathering aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects.
He also ordered enhanced security measures for the victims and commended police personnel, military operatives and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the successful rescue missions.
Meanwhile, joint police and military teams have intensified bush-combing operations in Owo and adjoining forests to track down the perpetrators and dismantle criminal hideouts.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to security agencies.
In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, recorded multiple operational gains in a series of coordinated operations aimed at combating terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities across the state.
According to a statement signed on Monday by the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, troops responded on June 20 to credible intelligence on cattle rustling activities in a community within Kaduna State.
The troops engaged the fleeing criminals in a firefight, neutralising two suspected bandits and recovering weapons, ammunition, other items and rustled livestock.
The military said the prompt intervention disrupted the criminal operation and enabled the recovery of the stolen animals. However, one civilian was killed during the incident as a result of the bandits’ actions.
In another operation on the same day, troops conducting a night patrol intercepted two suspected bandits. A search of the suspects reportedly uncovered digital materials linking them to terrorist and bandit networks.
The suspects have since been taken into custody for further investigation.
On June 21, troops on a fighting patrol encountered armed criminals who retreated into nearby bushes under military pressure.
Pursuing the suspects, troops apprehended two suspected bandit scouts and recovered motorcycles as well as communication devices containing incriminating evidence. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were involved in criminal activities, while further investigations are ongoing.
In a separate development, troops responded to a civil disturbance in Mararraba Community following the mob killing of a woman accused of child trafficking.
The crowd reportedly attempted to attack public infrastructure and block a major highway before security personnel intervened.
Troops swiftly restored order, dispersed the mob, secured critical facilities and ensured the free movement of commuters while maintaining a visible presence to prevent further unrest.
Commending the troops, the Theatre Commander praised their vigilance, discipline and operational effectiveness, noting that the successes reflected the military’s determination to relentlessly pursue terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
He assured residents that intelligence-driven and offensive operations would continue across the North-West region to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety.
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