Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun battle in Owo town, Owo Local Government Area, after an attempted abduction of a pastor.

The incident was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, the confrontation happened at about 7:05 p.m. when the command received a distress call about a six-man armed kidnapping gang targeting the residence of Pastor Taiwo Taiwo, Chairman of Ojana New Area.

Acting on the alert, the Divisional Police Officer of B Division, Owo, led a patrol team to the scene where they immediately engaged the suspects in a gun duel.

The police said the superior response forced the armed men to retreat into the bush, abandoning their mission.

The intended victim and his family members were successfully rescued without injury and moved to a safer location for protection.

The command added that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.

Troops of Operation “Operation FANSAN YAMMA” have neutralised two suspected terrorists and recovered weapons, motorcycles, and livestock during an intelligence-led raid in Katsina State.

According to an operational report made available to news agencies, the raid was carried out in the early hours of Monday under “Operation Clean Sweep III.”

Troops of the 17 Brigade reportedly stormed a terrorist hideout at Ginchawa in Matazu Local Government Area following credible intelligence on criminal activities in the area.

The terrorists were said to have attempted resistance but were overpowered by superior firepower and forced to flee into nearby bushes.

During the operation, soldiers recovered two PKT machine guns, one locally fabricated firearm, an AK-47 magazine, 75 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, three motorcycles, two mobile phones, and camouflage uniforms.

Livestock, including cows and goats believed to have been rustled, were also recovered from the enclave.

Military sources confirmed that two terrorists were killed during the operation, while others escaped with gunshot injuries as traces of blood were seen at the scene.

The Army said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and reduce criminal activities across the North-West region.

Troops have successfully foiled a cattle theft attempt and rescued a driver from being lynched by an angry mob in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident was reported in a post on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, troops of Operation Enduring Peace responded to a distress call at about 2:45 a.m. on Tuesday after suspected cattle rustlers attacked Wuro Goshe village.

On arrival, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning a vehicle carrying a cow believed to have been stolen.

Security sources said the troops also intervened to rescue the driver of the vehicle, who was nearly lynched by angry youths who gathered at the scene.

The driver was later taken to the Jaji Military Cantonment Medical Centre, where he is currently receiving treatment.

The recovered cow was returned to its rightful owner, while the abandoned vehicle was taken into military custody for investigation.

Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.