The Benue State Police Command has recorded major successes in its ongoing fight against crime, rescuing eight kidnapped victims, neutralising three suspected armed bandits, and arresting 10 suspects linked to offences including kidnapping, human trafficking, armed robbery, rape, cultism and illegal possession of firearms.
Speaking during a press briefing in Makurdi on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the achievements reflect the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
“What you will hear and see today are not just statistics or exhibits; they are testaments to the resilience of our officers, the synergy with other security agencies, and the cooperation of well-meaning residents of Benue State,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, police operatives rescued eight kidnapped victims around Adupi in Orokam, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, after engaging the kidnappers in a gun battle that forced them to flee. The victims were rescued unharmed without any ransom being paid.
Police also recovered a locally made single-barrel gun and military camouflage during the operation.
In a separate operation along the Vaase-Chito Road in Gbeji, Ukum Local Government Area, security operatives reportedly neutralised three suspected bandits after a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition and a motorcycle.
The Command also arrested a 40-year-old woman accused of trafficking two young women from Benue to Ghana under the guise of offering them jobs.
According to police, the victims were allegedly forced into prostitution before escaping and returning home.
Other arrests included a suspect linked to a machete attack and robbery, two suspects accused of raping a 14-year-old girl, and a man alleged to have staged his own kidnapping to collect ₦1.02 million in ransom from his parents.
Police also recovered 17 firearms, 36 rounds of ammunition, military camouflage, charms and other exhibits during separate operations across the state.
The Commissioner assured residents that the Command would continue to intensify efforts against criminal activities while urging members of the public to provide credible information to security agencies.
Source: Benue State Police Command
