Police operatives in Sokoto State have foiled an attack by suspected Lakurawa bandits in Ayawa Village, Tangaza Local Government Area, recovering 11 rustled cows after a gun battle with the fleeing assailants.
The Force Headquarters, Abuja, disclosed this in an operational update issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, detailing major security successes recorded by various state commands within the last 24 hours.
According to the police, the bandits invaded the community and rustled 11 cows before the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Tangaza mobilised tactical teams, anti-kidnapping operatives, and members of the Village Crime Reduction Unit (VCRU) to pursue them.
The operatives blocked the suspects’ escape routes, leading to a gun battle during which the bandits were overwhelmed and forced to abandon the stolen cattle before fleeing into a nearby forest.
Police said all 11 recovered cows would be returned to their verified owners after due identification through community leaders.
No casualties or injuries were recorded among security personnel or residents during the operation.
In Rivers State, police arrested a suspected notorious armed robber, Kelvin Tamunu, popularly known as “Jagaplus,” at his hideout in Abonnema Waterside, Port Harcourt.
The suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several armed robbery and burglary operations, including the attack and attempted murder of a retired police officer at No. 74 Abacha Link Road, New GRA, Port Harcourt, on May 6, 2026.
Police recovered two pump-action rifles and nine live cartridges from the suspect, who is currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the operation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who escaped.
In Plateau State, detectives recovered a stolen 2022 Toyota Hilux after tracking it to neighbouring Bauchi State.
The vehicle, bearing registration number 18D-35-FG, was stolen from the residence of Joseph Taukek in Kwata Zawan, Jos South Local Government Area.
Police arrested two suspects — Ibrahim Tijjani, 30, and Mohammed Umar, 33, both residents of Jos North Local Government Area — in connection with the theft.
In Nasarawa State, police foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Akwanga–Jos Road after engaging suspected kidnappers in a gun battle near Megona Filling Station in Andaha.
The suspects fled into nearby bushes after being overpowered, while all kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed.
Police also recovered food items and other provisions allegedly looted from a nearby shop. A joint security operation involving the military, vigilantes and local hunters is continuing to comb the area for the fleeing suspects.
Along the Mashi–Birnin Kuka border in Katsina State, police arrested a suspected trans-border drug trafficker, Ibrahim Usman, 37, a resident of Tahoua State in neighbouring Niger Republic.
Police recovered 28 compressed blocks of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis from the suspect.
According to investigators, Usman confessed to transporting the consignment from Lagos for distribution across Nigeria and the Niger Republic. Efforts are ongoing to dismantle the wider trafficking network.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), operatives arrested Salihu Yusuf, said to have no fixed address, after recovering two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition wrapped in charms, suspected cannabis, and assorted charms from him.
The suspect allegedly claimed to be a dismissed soldier but failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for possessing the recovered items.
Police also recovered a BMW X6 with registration number KTU 684 JL, reportedly stolen from its owner, Mohammed Kobra, as well as a Mercedes-Benz E350 with registration number KWL 505 PD, believed to have been stolen.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, the Commissioner of Police, Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, led an intelligence-driven clearance operation in Ayilamo, Logo Local Government Area, where security operatives uncovered a suspected bandits’ camp.
A gun battle ensued, forcing the suspects to flee into forests bordering Nasarawa and Taraba states.
The police said no personnel were injured during the operation and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining offensive operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes nationwide.
The Force Headquarters added that all the cases have been transferred to the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs) for further investigation.
