A series of police operations across 10 Nigerian states has resulted in the death of a suspected bandit, the rescue of seven victims and the arrest of 17 suspects linked to various crimes, according to the Nigeria Police Force.
The Force said the operations were carried out between September 21 and 22 as part of ongoing efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.
In Benue State, police operatives working alongside joint tactical forces responded to an attack by armed bandits at Abeda Market in Logo Local Government Area.
The police said one suspected bandit was killed during the operation, while two others were arrested. No police personnel were reported killed or injured in the encounter, while investigations into the incident continued.
In Katsina State, security operatives also foiled an attempted attack on a vehicle carrying six female students of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma along the Kankara-Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the police, the attackers were forced to retreat into the bush after sustaining gunshot injuries. The seven occupants of the vehicle were rescued unharmed, medically assessed and later reunited with the relevant authorities.
The police further disclosed that three suspects allegedly connected to an armed bandit syndicate were arrested in a separate operation in Katsina.
The latest operations form part of a wider security effort across the country, with police authorities saying the arrests, rescues and successful responses demonstrate continued efforts to disrupt criminal networks and protect communities.
Investigations into the various cases are ongoing, while the police said suspects would face further legal action based on the outcome of investigations.
