The Ekiti State Police Command says its operatives, in collaboration with the military, Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes, have uncovered a kidnappers’ hideout in a forest between Irele-Ekiti in Ekiti State and Ogbe in Kogi State during a joint bush-combing operation.

Two kidnapped victims, identified as Iorfa Solomon (35) and Blessing Kingsley (37), were rescued during the operation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, the command said the discovery was made during coordinated security operations in the area.

According to the statement, “Upon sighting the operatives, the suspected kidnappers engaged them in a gun duel. In the process, one of the suspects was arrested, while other members of the gang escaped. Meanwhile, the two victims were rescued unharmed.”

Investigations revealed that the victims were abducted while on duty at Aluta Bar, Ikoyi, in Kogi State, on June 4, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m.

The attackers were said to be about eight in number and armed with guns. They reportedly stormed the bar, shot sporadically into the air, and whisked the victims away into the forest, while others at the scene escaped.

During interrogation, the arrested suspect, Abubakar Kabiru, allegedly confessed to the crime and identified the rescued victims as those kidnapped by his gang. The victims also identified him as one of the attackers.

The suspect reportedly named seven other gang members who are currently on the run, while security agencies have intensified efforts to track and arrest them.

The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information in the fight against crime.

Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have foiled a suspected armed robbery operation and killed three alleged robbers during a gun battle along the Vaase–Chito Road in Ukum Local Government Area.

According to security sources, the incident occurred at about 2:48 a.m. on June 8 after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Gbeji Division received reports that armed men believed to be bandits were attacking travellers and robbing them of their belongings along the route.

Following the report, the DPO mobilised a patrol team alongside members of the Community Volunteer Guards and moved to the area.

According to the sources, the suspected criminals opened fire immediately after sighting the approaching security operatives, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The combined security team responded with superior firepower, resulting in the death of three suspects. Some of the deceased were reportedly dressed in military camouflage uniforms.

Several other members of the gang reportedly escaped from the scene on motorcycles, while security sources believe some of them may have sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.

During the operation, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition, and a motorcycle.

The recovered items have been secured by the police as exhibits for further investigation.

The bodies of the deceased suspects were later evacuated to the Gbeji Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Police authorities disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing gang members.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat armed robbery, banditry, and other violent crimes across Benue State.

The Marine Police Unit of the Lagos State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old man, Joshua Babalola, after he reportedly attempted to take his own life by jumping into the Lagos Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on June 8, 2026, when officers of the Marine Police received information that a young man had plunged into the lagoon from the bridge.

Acting swiftly on the report, marine police operatives moved to the scene and successfully rescued the victim alive with the assistance of local fishermen operating in the area.

Following the rescue, Babalola identified himself as a painter living in the Iwo Road area of Ibadan, Oyo State. He told authorities that he had travelled from Ibadan earlier that day without informing anyone of his whereabouts.

According to him, he decided to jump into the lagoon after becoming overwhelmed by financial difficulties and feelings of hopelessness. He also disclosed that his mobile phone was lost in the water during the incident.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the victim had been stabilised and was currently under police care while efforts were being made to locate and contact his family members.

“He was rescued with the help of fishermen in the area. He is the second person in three months to be rescued from the lagoon,” Adebisi said.

The police spokesperson used the opportunity to stress the importance of public cooperation in crime prevention and emergency response efforts.

“Effective policing thrives on partnership between the police and the public. Prompt and credible information from residents is crucial in preventing and combating incidents.

“We urge community leaders, boat operators, fishermen and other stakeholders in the riverine areas to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police formation or the marine police unit,” he added.

The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos State and encouraged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information.