The Benue State Police Command, Makurdi has arrested seven suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, and recovered a stolen vehicle, recovered two AK-47 rifles, as well as arms and ammunition.
A statement by its public relations officer DSP Udeme Edet also revealed that the command recovered a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate as well.
Edet explained that acting on credible intelligence
On the 21st of this month, operatives of the Command’s tactical team carried out a tactical operation in Gboko Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of five suspected armed robbers and kidnappers.
She said the suspects reportedly engaged Police operatives in a gun duel before they were subdued by the superior tactical response of the operatives.
Items recovered during the operation include two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two pistols, and rounds of live ammunition.
Edet said the suspects are in Police custody, while investigation has commenced at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Similarly, on the 22nd of this month operatives attached to Otukpo Division successfully recovered a Lexus RX 350 vehicle reportedly snatched at gunpoint in Owerri, Imo State.
She said the force acted on intelligence that the vehicle was being moved through Benue State.
Police operatives swiftly intercepted the vehicle within the Otukpo axis and arrested one suspect, who is currently assisting ongoing investigations.
The Command also recorded another breakthrough in an investigation involving a reported kidnapping incident in Ushongo Local Government Area on the 19th of this month.
She further explained that following a complaint that a young man had gone missing after accompanying a suspected acquaintance and that the family later received a ransom demand of Seven Million Naira (#7,000,000), detectives swung into action and arrested one suspect linked to the case.
Further investigation aided by technical intelligence led to the arrest of two additional suspects at Katsina-Ala on the 22nd of this month, including the purported victim, who was discovered to have allegedly conspired in the kidnapping arrangement.
Edet said the suspects are currently in custody as investigation continues.
The Command also recorded breakthroughs in separate investigations involving alleged armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide in Ushongo Local Government Area.
She said following intensive investigation and intelligence gathering, suspects connected to the incidents were arrested, while a stolen motorcycle linked to one of the cases was also recovered.
In another development, the Command uncovered a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate involving the deceptive recruitment of young women under the guise of securing employment opportunities outside the country.
The PPRO said preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were allegedly trafficked and subjected to exploitation and abuse before escaping and returning to Nigeria.
One suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate believed to be operating outside the country.