Benue: Police smash banditry, kidnap rings, rescue victims, arrest suspects

The Benue state Police Command has rescued 18 kidnapped victims, arrested 20 suspects and recovered three AK-47 rifles as part of its recent operational achievements across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, who disclosed this on Tuesday at a press briefing in Makurdi, said the breakthroughs were achieved through intelligence-led policing, collaboration with other security agencies and public support.

He said 13 kidnapped victims were rescued in Otukpo Local Government Area after tactical teams mounted sustained search operations in the Amla-Icho Forest, where one suspected armed bandit was neutralised and an AK-47 rifle recovered.

Nwadioogbu added that operations in Logo Local Government Area led to the neutralisation of two armed suspects and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and ammunition, while police also foiled an armed robbery attempt in Gwer-East.

The Commissioner said the Command also recovered a stolen one-day-old baby in Gboko and arrested 11 suspects in connection with the incident, adding that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.

He further disclosed that detectives dismantled a vehicle and motorcycle theft syndicate, arresting five suspects and recovering two Bajaj motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla in Dan-Anacha, Taraba State.

According to him, the Command also recovered a locally fabricated Type 06 rifle, several pistols and revolvers, 33 rounds of ammunition and suspected criminal charms in various operations across Vandeikya, Gwer West, Apa and Makurdi.

Nwadioogbu warned criminals and illegal firearms traffickers that Benue would not be a safe haven for criminal activities, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide the police with credible information on suspicious persons and activities.