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OPC Arrests Three Suspected Kidnappers Around Old Oyo National Park, Recovers Rifles
Members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) have arrested three suspected kidnappers accused of terrorising communities around Old Oyo National Park, with the suspects reportedly found in possession of sophisticated rifles.
The arrests were carried out at different times during patrol operations in Eseke village, Oriire Local Government Area, and Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area, both in Oyo State.
Kehinde Zaccheus, the OPC coordinator in Eseke, disclosed the development to journalists on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
According to Zaccheus, one suspect was arrested in Eseke, while two others were apprehended in Igbeti. He said the suspects were allegedly found with sophisticated firearms when they were arrested.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police at Ikoyi-Ile and Igbeti for further investigation.
The arrests come amid persistent security concerns around the national park and neighbouring communities, where residents have faced threats from suspected kidnappers and armed groups.
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Old Oyo National Park spans 10 local government areas in Oyo State and one in neighbouring Kwara State, making security across its extensive forest terrain a major challenge for law enforcement agencies.
In January 2026, gunmen attacked the park’s administrative facility in the Oloka area of Oriire Local Government Area, killing five forest guards and other personnel. The attackers reportedly sought to free suspected criminals previously detained by forest guards.
Following investigations into the attack, the Oyo State Police Command announced the arrest of seven suspects, including an alleged mastermind of the incident. Police said intelligence-led operations were continuing to track other suspected members of the gang.
Separately, reports in May 2026 indicated that 39 students and seven teachers had been abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area, with the victims allegedly held by kidnappers operating around the park. The incident further heightened concerns about the safety of residents and travellers in the area.
The latest OPC arrests represent another development in efforts to address insecurity around the park. However, it remains unclear whether the three suspects are connected to the January attack, the reported school abductions or other criminal incidents in the area.
The police are expected to investigate the allegations against the suspects and establish whether the recovered weapons are linked to any reported crimes.
The suspects have not been convicted of any offence and remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
OPC Arrests Three Suspected Kidnappers Around Old Oyo National Park, Recovers Rifles
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Bauchi Police Rescue 18-Year-Old Woman From Mob After Stabbing Husband
The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued an 18-year-old woman from an angry mob that allegedly attempted to lynch her after she reportedly stabbed her husband during a domestic dispute over money and personal belongings.
The incident occurred on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in Lirr Bajar community, Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The police identified the suspect as Fatima Dalha, 18, while her husband is a 30-year-old man whose name was not disclosed.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the dispute began when Dalha demanded the return of her money, wrappers and mobile phone, which she alleged were in her husband’s possession.
The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical altercation, during which the woman allegedly picked up a nearby knife and stabbed her husband in the stomach, leaving him bleeding.
The incident attracted residents, some of whom allegedly threatened to lynch the woman in retaliation for the attack.
However, officers attached to the Dass Divisional Police Headquarters arrived at the scene, rescued her from the crowd and took her into custody.
The injured husband was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment. Police said the knife allegedly used in the incident had been recovered, while the suspect was detained for further investigation.
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Habib disclosed that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for a detailed investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, expressed concern over domestic violence among young couples and urged spouses to resolve disagreements through peaceful dialogue, family intervention and other lawful means.
The commissioner also warned residents against jungle justice, stressing that suspects must be allowed to face the legal process rather than being subjected to mob violence.
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of domestic disputes escalating into physical violence, as well as the risks posed when members of the public attempt to take the law into their own hands.
While the woman remains a suspect in the alleged stabbing, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation are subject to police investigation. The allegations have not been established in court.
Bauchi Police Rescue 18-Year-Old Woman From Mob After Stabbing Husband
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Soldier Killed as Troops Repel Attack by Over 100 Bandits in Niger
A Nigerian soldier has been killed and three others injured after troops repelled an attack by more than 100 suspected bandits in Niger State, prompting the State House of Assembly to call for additional military bases in vulnerable communities.
The confrontation occurred about two weeks ago along the Zungeru–Tegina road in Rafi Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly invaded communities in the area but encountered resistance from Nigerian Army troops.
According to details presented to the Niger State House of Assembly, the soldiers engaged the suspected bandits in a fierce gun battle, preventing the attackers from overrunning the affected communities. Several of the assailants were reportedly killed, while motorcycles were recovered during the operation.
One soldier later died from gunshot injuries, while three others sustained injuries. The circumstances surrounding the encounter were discussed by lawmakers during plenary on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The Assembly commended the troops for their courage and response, saying their intervention helped avert what could have been a devastating attack on residents already facing persistent insecurity.
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The motion was moved by Zubairu Ismail Zanna, who represents Rafi State Constituency. He praised the military for confronting the armed group despite its reported numerical advantage but warned that the threat could persist if security deployments were not strengthened.
Zanna urged the Niger State Government to engage the Federal Government and military authorities over the establishment of additional Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Rafi and neighbouring communities exposed to attacks.
He argued that a stronger and more permanent security presence would improve response times, strengthen intelligence gathering and make it more difficult for armed groups to regroup after being dislodged from their hideouts.
The lawmaker also pointed to difficult terrain, extensive forest areas and poorly secured rural routes as factors that make it easier for criminal groups to infiltrate communities and launch attacks.
He stressed that the strategic and economic importance of the Zungeru–Tegina corridor made improved security necessary to protect residents, transport routes and commercial activities.
The Assembly subsequently adopted the motion, urging the relevant authorities to sustain military operations and strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable areas.
The Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, called for a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased soldier. Lawmakers also offered prayers for the injured personnel receiving treatment.
The incident highlights continuing security challenges in parts of Niger State, where armed groups have carried out attacks and kidnappings along rural routes and around forested communities.
Earlier in October, troops operating under Operation Savannah Shield reportedly rescued 84 residents held by suspected terrorists following an encounter along the Tegina–Garin Gabas–Zungeru corridor. A soldier also died from injuries sustained during that separate operation.
The Assembly’s latest appeal reflects growing calls for more permanent military deployments, improved surveillance and stronger cooperation among security agencies and local communities to prevent further attacks and protect residents.
Soldier Killed as Troops Repel Attack by Over 100 Bandits in Niger
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Police Arrest 34 Cameroonians, Nigeriens Over Suspected Illegal Activities
Police Arrest 34 Cameroonians, Nigeriens Over Suspected Illegal Activities
The Benue State Police Command has arrested 34 foreign nationals, comprising 16 Cameroonians and 18 Nigeriens, over concerns about their immigration status, travel documents and movements within the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed the arrests on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while briefing journalists on the command’s security operations and achievements during the month.
According to the police chief, the 34 foreign nationals were arrested in two separate operations in Otukpo Local Government Area and Orokam in Ogbadibo Local Government Area.
Nwadiogbu said police operatives arrested the 16 Cameroonian nationals in Otukpo on October 9 after they allegedly failed to produce the required travel documents. Preliminary investigations indicated that the individuals had claimed they came to settle in the area but could not provide satisfactory explanations about their purpose.
The commissioner said the suspects were taken into custody for investigation and verification of their immigration status, adding that the police were examining concerns about their alleged involvement in clandestine activities.
In a separate operation on October 22, police intercepted 18 Nigerien nationals at Orokam. The group reportedly said they were travelling to Ikom in Cross River State, but concerns were raised about the circumstances of their entry into Nigeria and their inability to provide satisfactory explanations about their journey.
READ ALSO:
- ₦70,000 Transport Allowance: Who Qualifies as Informal Workers Raise Questions
- OPC Arrests Three Suspected Kidnappers Around Old Oyo National Park, Recovers Rifles
- 19 Suspected Fraudsters Arrested, Five Exotic Cars Recovered in EFCC Lekki Raid
The 18 suspects were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further questioning and verification of their identities, travel arrangements and immigration status.
Nwadiogbu said the command was working with the relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, to establish the facts and determine the appropriate action under the law.
The police have not publicly announced specific criminal charges against the 34 foreign nationals. Their arrest does not, in itself, establish that they committed a crime, and investigations into the circumstances of both incidents are continuing.
The arrests were among several security developments reported by the command for October. Nwadiogbu also disclosed that security operatives had rescued 29 kidnapped victims during operations across Benue State, with assistance from other security agencies and local security groups.
The police said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other security threats, verify suspicious movements and protect lives and property across the state.
Police Arrest 34 Cameroonians, Nigeriens Over Suspected Illegal Activities
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