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.

Suspected bandits have abducted the wife and son of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Congress in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Yusuf Alhasan.

The incident was confirmed in a post shared on X by security analyst and conflict reporter Bakatsine.

According to reports, the attackers stormed the chairman’s residence in the Low-Cost area of Yauri around midnight on Monday and whisked away the two victims to an unknown location.

There has been no official statement from security agencies or the Kebbi State Government at the time of filing this report.

The attack has further raised concerns over rising insecurity in parts of Kebbi State, where cases of kidnapping and armed assaults have continued to increase.

As of report time, the whereabouts of the victims remain unknown while investigations are expected to follow.

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.