The Benue State Police Command has arrested 20 suspects allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed banditry, robbery and other criminal activities across the state.
The suspects were paraded at the command headquarters in Makurdi by the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, who said the arrests followed a series of operations conducted by police personnel across different parts of Benue State.
Among the items recovered from the suspects were three AK-47 rifles, 33 rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, a Toyota Corolla car, locally fabricated firearms and suspected criminal charms.
The police commissioner disclosed that security operatives recorded a major breakthrough in Logo Local Government Area, where three armed suspects were reportedly neutralised during an operation.
He added that another armed suspect was neutralised on August 26 around the Ayilamo axis. The suspect was allegedly a member of a group terrorising farmers and destroying agricultural produce in the area.
Related News:
Troops Nab Suspected Kidnapper, Rescue Abducted Victim In Benue
Troops Kill Suspected Bandit, Recover Guns, Ammunition in Benue
Five Suspects Arrested Over Alleged Killing of Benue University Lecturer
Nwadiogbu also revealed that police operatives foiled an attempted armed robbery at Ayati village in Gwer-East Local Government Area on August 9. Although the suspects reportedly escaped during the operation, they abandoned a locally fabricated revolver and live ammunition.
Investigations into the arrests also uncovered an alleged syndicate involved in the theft of vehicles and motorcycles, with five of the suspects reportedly linked to the group.
According to the commissioner, detectives extended their investigation to Dan-Anacha in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, where they recovered two Bajaj motorcycles and the Toyota Corolla allegedly linked to the suspected syndicate.
The police chief warned individuals involved in the illegal possession, movement and trafficking of firearms, stressing that the command would continue to intensify efforts to prevent Benue State from becoming a safe haven for criminal elements.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing credible information about suspicious persons, movements and activities within their communities.
About the Author
