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The Ondo State Police Command has commenced an intensive search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of a traditional ruler, Mr. Adeniyi Adelana, the Baale of Ode Oriya community in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

The 60-year-old community leader was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday night when armed men invaded his residence and forcefully took him away to an unknown location.

According to police authorities, the incident occurred at about 8:50 p.m. when six heavily armed assailants stormed the monarch’s home and whisked him away through a nearby bush path.

Confirming the development in a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said security operatives immediately swung into action after receiving a distress report about the attack.

“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of B Division, Owo, swiftly mobilized a combined team of police operatives and other security personnel to the scene,” Jimoh stated.

He explained that officers promptly secured the area and carried out an initial assessment of the crime scene as part of efforts to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the abductors opened fire during the operation, leaving the victim’s wife injured.

According to him, she sustained a gunshot wound to her right hand and was immediately rushed to a medical facility for treatment.

“She is currently receiving medical attention and responding positively to treatment,” the statement noted.

The Command further revealed that a large-scale rescue operation has been activated, with security personnel combing forests, surrounding communities, bush paths, and other suspected hideouts believed to be linked to the abductors.

“A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation has been activated, with security operatives combing nearby forests, bush paths, and suspected escape routes in a determined effort to locate and secure the safe release of the victim while apprehending the kidnappers,” the police said.

As part of efforts to prevent further security breaches, the Command said additional tactical teams have been deployed to Owo and neighbouring communities to strengthen surveillance and improve response capabilities.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State has also directed all tactical units, intelligence teams, and operational squads to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the traditional ruler and bringing those responsible for the abduction to justice.

Police authorities reassured residents that every available resource is being deployed to ensure the victim is rescued unharmed and reunited with his family.

Meanwhile, members of the public have been urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue with their lawful activities while cooperating with security agencies.

The Command appealed to residents to provide any useful information that could assist ongoing investigations and rescue efforts, emphasizing that public cooperation remains crucial in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity and abductions targeting community leaders and prominent individuals in various parts of the country, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures and intelligence-driven policing.

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Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attacked Kautikari village in Borno State on Saturday evening, setting two schools ablaze and forcing residents to flee for safety.

Fresh fears have gripped residents of Kautikari village in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State after suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists launched another attack on the community, setting two schools on fire and forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes.

According to Vanguard, the attack occurred at about 7 p.m. on Saturday, reigniting concerns over the security situation in the area, which has suffered repeated assaults by insurgents in recent years.

Sources said the terrorists stormed the village and targeted public facilities, including the community’s primary school and day secondary school. The assault triggered panic among residents, many of whom abandoned their homes and ran for safety as the attackers operated in the area.

A security operative from Kautikari, who is currently based in Maiduguri, confirmed the incident.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that our village (Kautikari) in the Chibok Local Government Area is under Boko Haram attack.

“Our people are scampering for safety, even as two schools (primary and day secondary school) are on fire,” he said.

As of press time, the number of casualties, if any, had not been confirmed. Security sources said efforts were ongoing to assess the situation and determine the extent of damage caused by the attack.

Kautikari has been a recurring target of insurgent violence, with residents repeatedly facing displacement and destruction of property due to attacks by terrorist groups operating in the region.

Attempts to obtain official confirmation from the Borno State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls and messages to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, were not answered at the time of filing this report.

The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges confronting communities in Borno State despite ongoing military operations against insurgents in the North-East.

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The Enugu State Government on Friday said security operatives had arrested six suspected criminals linked to major security breaches in the state and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition during joint operations.

Governor Peter Mbah disclosed this while inspecting the recovered arms at the Enugu State headquarters of the Department of State Services in Enugu.

The recovered weapons include 17 AK-47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun, one rocket launcher, one tear-gas gun, 12 AK-47 magazines, two hand grenades, three tear-gas canisters and 1,071 rounds of ammunition.

The ammunition comprises 323 rounds of special ammunition, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 478 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Security operatives also recovered uniforms and four lanyards.

Mbah, who was received by the State Director of the DSS, Humphrey Ohikhuare; the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa; and the Garrison Commander of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Garba Suru, commended security agencies for what he described as a major breakthrough in the fight against crime in the state.

He said some of the suspects had been on the state’s security watch list and were allegedly involved in violent crimes, including attacks that claimed the lives of security personnel.

“First of all, I would like to acknowledge and salute the gallantry of our security agents. What we are witnessing here today is the triumph of vigilance, hard work and dedication to duty.

“Recall that sometime in December last year, we had an incident that took the lives of some of our officers. The state government placed bounties on the heads of the criminals. We had earlier apprehended some of those involved, but the suspects here today are those who had been on the run,” he said.

The governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements, stressing that offenders would be tracked and brought to justice regardless of how long it takes.

“We have always said in Enugu State that we have no room for criminals. If you commit crime here, no matter how long it takes, we will identify you, get you and ensure that you are brought to justice,” he added.

Mbah attributed the arrests and recoveries to the state’s investment in security infrastructure and technology, as well as the collaboration among security agencies.

“It is heartwarming that the investment we have made in the security sector and the cooperation of our security agencies are yielding results. The people of Enugu State can sleep with both eyes closed, knowing that we have their backs covered,” he said.

The governor also warned criminals still operating within the state to leave or face the consequences of their actions.

He further urged landlords and property owners to carry out proper background checks on prospective tenants, warning that the government would continue to prosecute erring landlords and demolish properties linked to violent crimes.

“You cannot be exculpated on the ground that you did not know. The law has placed the duty on you to know who you are giving your property to,” he said.

Mbah also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen the security architecture across the country, including the rehabilitation of security training institutions and ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing policing.

He welcomed the recent passage of the State Police Bill by the House of Representatives, describing it as a significant step towards improving security at the subnational level.

According to him, state policing would help address security challenges more effectively by enabling states to take greater responsibility for protecting lives and property within their territories.