Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Suspected bandits abducted three people from the same family in the Agboro community of Patigi Local Government Area, Kwara State, on Sunday morning — as troops of the Operation FANSAN YANMA in Sokoto State simultaneously foiled a major terror attack, killing dozens of suspected terrorists and stabilising the endangered community.
The kidnappings in Kwara involved two brothers, Abiodun Abidemi and Abiodun Olumide, and a nephew, Ayomide Moses. According to local reports, the trio was returning from a condolence visit in the state when armed men intercepted them around 7:00 a.m. in Agboro.
The abductors are believed to have moved the victims toward Isanlu in neighbouring Kogi State. As of now, no ransom demand has been made and the local police command has not officially confirmed the case — with the Kwara State Commissioner of Police reportedly claiming ignorance.
The incident has heightened fear among residents in Patigi and surrounding areas, already plagued by frequent attacks and abductions. Recent security efforts, including large-scale forest sweeps by military and police as part of counter-banditry operations, have not completely prevented such incidents.
Meanwhile, in the northwest, troops from Operation FANSAN YANMA successfully intercepted a gang of armed terrorists who had attacked a local vigilance group near Gatawa village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
According to military sources, the gunmen opened fire on villagers and vigilantes around midnight, but reinforcements arrived promptly. In the ensuing clash, 11 suspected terrorists were neutralised — a move described by security officers as a major blow to the terror network in the forest belt.
Four vigilante members sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to hospital, but no civilian fatalities were recorded. Local authorities have since denied rampant social-media claims that a mosque was attacked — including rumours of worshippers being killed or abducted.
While the soldiers pursued the fleeing assailants toward the Dan-Kamarawa corridor, follow-up patrols have been deployed to prevent retaliatory violence. Officials say the area is currently “stable and under control.”
Security analysts warn, however, that bandit groups remain adaptive and resilient. The dual incidents — one of kidnapping, another of a foiled terror attack — underscore the ongoing risks faced by rural communities across Kwara and Sokoto states.
Residents of affected communities are calling for more sustained security presence, clearer communication from authorities, and improved community-police cooperation. They urge that more resources be committed to preventative patrols, intelligence gathering, and swift response capabilities to stem the cycle of violence.
As families await news of the abducted in Kwara, and Sokoto communities regain a fragile peace, the events highlight both the persistent threat of banditry and the critical role of coordinated military intervention in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
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