Police Launch Manhunt After Fresh Attacks, Kidnappings Rock Four Nigerian States

The Nigeria Police Force has launched search-and-rescue operations and intensified efforts to arrest suspected terrorists, kidnappers and armed attackers following fresh incidents of violence in Ogun, Borno, Zamfara and Bauchi states.

The incidents include the abduction of a Chinese national and his manager in Ogun State, the kidnapping of a driver in Borno, a fatal attack in Zamfara and the killing of a commercial motorcycle operator in Bauchi.

In an operational update released on Saturday, October 10, 2026, police spokesperson CSP Ani Iniedu said security teams were pursuing suspects linked to the attacks while investigations continued into several other cases involving alleged kidnapping and armed robbery.

In Ogun State, police launched a manhunt for the abductors of Chinese national Liyuan Xiao and his manager, identified as Sunday, who were reportedly kidnapped at a worksite in Erimobi, Saapade.

Officers who responded to the incident recovered spent AK-47 ammunition shells at the scene. Police tactical teams subsequently began searching surrounding bushes in an effort to rescue the two men safely and arrest those responsible.

The Criminal Investigation Department in Eleweran is also investigating the abduction, according to the police update.

In Borno State, suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram insurgents reportedly abducted Yusuf Tahir, a 38-year-old driver attached to GISCOR, while he was travelling from Maiduguri to Damasak.

The incident occurred at Kareto in Mobbar Local Government Area. Police and military personnel have commenced coordinated search-and-rescue operations to locate the driver and apprehend the suspected attackers.

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The latest incident adds to security concerns along roads in parts of Borno, where armed groups have continued to pose risks to travellers and residents.

In Zamfara State, a suspected bandit attack on Bardoki village in Gummi Local Government Area left one person dead and two others injured.

The deceased was identified as Marka Muhammad. According to the police, military personnel attached to Operation Fansan Yamma were alerted to the incident, but the attackers had fled before their arrival.

Security personnel have since commenced tracking operations to locate the suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.

In Bauchi State, armed assailants attacked two commercial motorcycle operators near Zidanga village, killing 25-year-old Gaddafi Ibrahim and injuring his colleague.

The attackers reportedly used sharp objects during the assault before escaping with two Boxer motorcycles valued at approximately ₦2 million.

Police said efforts were underway to arrest the suspects and recover the stolen motorcycles.

Despite the fresh attacks, the police reported several arrests and rescue operations across other states.

In Rivers State, four suspects were arrested over the alleged kidnapping of 24-year-old Gift Malekwe along Igwuruta–Etche Road. Investigators alleged that the suspects used dating websites to lure victims before abducting them.

The allegations are under investigation, and the suspects’ culpability has not been established by a court.

In Cross River State, police rescued an 11-year-old boy who was allegedly abducted and found tied up in a suspect’s room with injuries to his head.

A 29-year-old suspect, identified as Abashi John, was arrested. The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar for further investigation.

In Anambra State, police arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Chidera Anthony, over an alleged armed robbery in Awka.

The victim reportedly lost a mobile phone, a point-of-sale machine and ₦40,000 in cash. Police said items recovered from the suspect’s hideout included the victim’s purse, an unregistered motorcycle and an axe. Efforts were continuing to apprehend an alleged accomplice who remained at large.

Meanwhile, in Benue State, 17 Cameroonian nationals were arrested over alleged clandestine activities and suspected entry into Nigeria without valid travel documents. Police said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence and activities.

The latest incidents come amid continuing security operations against kidnapping gangs, armed robbery suspects, bandits and other criminal networks across the country.

In a separate operational report covering September 26 to October 2, the police said they had rescued 42 kidnapped victims and arrested 96 suspects across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The police have urged members of the public to provide credible information that could help investigators identify suspects, locate abducted victims and prevent further attacks.

The latest developments highlight the continuing security challenges facing communities, road users and businesses in parts of Nigeria, despite ongoing operations by police and military personnel.