Benue: Police destroy banditry, kidnap, 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 CN Nwadiogbu, who disclosed this at a press conference in Makurdi on Tuesday, said the progress had been 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 search operations in Amla-Icho forest, where a suspected armed bandit was neutralized and an AK-47 rifle recovered.

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

The commissioner said the command also recovered a stolen 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 revealed that detectives dismantled a vehicle and motorcycle theft ring, arresting five suspects and recovering two Bajaj motorcycles and a Toyota Corolla in Dan-Anacha, Taraba State.

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

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