The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.

The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.

The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.

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According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.

The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.

According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.

They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.

The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.

The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.

The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.

The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.

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According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”

The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.

It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.

The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.

The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.

The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly reversed its earlier position on the ongoing trial of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, directing its prosecuting counsel to resume the case.

The development comes after the security agency had earlier directed its lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, to seek the suspension of the proceedings until after the 2027 presidential election.

According to a reports, the DSS has now changed its position and instructed its counsel to continue with the prosecution.

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The reported reversal comes amid Sowore’s continued criticism of President Bola Tinubu and his political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.

Sowore is being prosecuted over social media posts in which he referred to Tinubu as a “criminal.”

He has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case is before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The DSS had previously sought to suspend the proceedings, with the agency’s counsel indicating that the move was intended to allow political candidates facing similar cases to participate in electioneering activities without ongoing trials becoming a hindrance.

Sowore, however, subsequently called for the withdrawal of the charges rather than their suspension.

The latest development comes shortly after Sowore returned to Nigeria from the United States, where he had spent time with his family.

His return has also coincided with renewed political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election, in which he is expected to contest under the AAC.