No fewer than three suspected bandits were neutralised by security operatives during a confrontation in Benue State as officers intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the state.
The operation formed part of a broader crackdown that also led to the rescue of eight kidnapped victims and the arrest of 10 suspects linked to various crimes, including human trafficking, armed robbery, rape, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.
The operations were carried out across several parts of Benue State, with arrests and recoveries recorded in Makurdi, Naka, Gboko, Otukpa, Vandeikya, Orokam and other communities.
Providing an overview of recent operations during a press briefing in Makurdi on Friday, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the command arrested 10 suspects, rescued eight kidnapped victims, neutralised three armed bandits and recovered 17 firearms alongside 36 rounds of ammunition.
He added that military camouflage, charms, a motorcycle and other dangerous items were also recovered during the operations.
Nwadiogbu said the successes reflected the command’s determination to combat insecurity and protect residents from criminal activities.
“These achievements demonstrate the commitment of our officers and the support we continue to receive from other security agencies and members of the public.
“We remain focused on ensuring that criminals have no haven in the state,” he said.
According to the police commissioner, one of the major operations targeted suspected bandits who attempted to carry out criminal activities along the Vaase–Chito Road.
He said the suspects engaged security personnel in a gun battle but were overpowered during the exchange.
Nwadiogbu stated that three of the suspects, some of whom were reportedly dressed in military camouflage, were killed during the confrontation.
During the operation, police operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition and a motorcycle from the scene.
The commissioner further disclosed that police tactical teams, supported by officers of the Police Mobile Force and local vigilantes, rescued eight kidnapped victims after responding to a distress call.
He explained that the kidnappers fled after an intense exchange of gunfire with security operatives, abandoning their captives. The victims were rescued unharmed, and no ransom was paid for their release.
“Swift intervention by our personnel ensured the safe recovery of the victims. The suspects escaped under pressure, leaving behind some of their items,” he said.
Items recovered from the rescue operation included a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm and a military uniform allegedly linked to the fleeing kidnappers.
In a separate development, police arrested a 40-year-old woman identified as Ashide Nyityon over allegations of trafficking two young women.
Investigators said the suspect allegedly lured the victims with promises of employment before facilitating their movement outside the country for exploitation.
The commissioner said the victims later escaped and returned home, while the suspect was assisting investigators in identifying and apprehending other members of the trafficking syndicate.
Police also arrested another woman accused of abandoning two-day-old infants after investigations allegedly traced the incident to her.
Similarly, operatives arrested a 28-year-old suspect, Akpehe Tyoakaa, over the alleged machete attack and robbery of a commercial motorcyclist.
Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation and would be prosecuted.
Another investigation led to the arrest of a man accused of staging his own kidnapping in a bid to extort money from his parents.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly conspired with accomplices and collected more than N1 million in ransom before the plot was uncovered.
The command also arrested two suspects over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl following investigations into the case.
Police said both suspects confessed and would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Concluding the press briefing, the commissioner said: “We will continue to act decisively, professionally and within the law. Security is a collective responsibility, and we encourage residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that can help prevent crime.”