Police Neutralize Notorious Bandit, Rescue Abducted Ward Head in Benue
Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force in Benue have recorded major breakthroughs in two separate operations on Wednesday, resulting in the killing of a notorious bandit and the rescue of a kidnapped community leader, PRNigeria reports.
In the early hours of the day, security forces neutralized a notorious bandit identified as Aungwa Sesugh, popularly known as Tino Brown, during a gunfight in Zaki-Biam. Acting on credible intelligence, a tactical team apprehended Sesugh—linked to the dreaded Akumave gang—at about 1:30 a.m., while in possession of a locally made Beretta pistol, three live rounds of ammunition, and charms.
During interrogation, Sesugh reportedly confessed to multiple crimes, including his role in the kidnapping of the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area. He subsequently led the team to Tse-Shor Village, where he claimed the gang’s weapons were hidden.
Read Also:
According to Zagazola, upon reaching the location, the team came under heavy fire from gang members. In the ensuing exchange, Sesugh was critically injured and later died despite being rushed to a hospital. Several gang members are believed to have sustained injuries but managed to escape into nearby bushes. Security reinforcements have since been deployed to track down the fleeing suspects.
In a related development, the Benue State Police Command successfully rescued Dickson Idu, the Ward Head of Ehatokpe Ohimini, who was kidnapped on April 30 from his residence in Ohimini Local Government Area.
Following the abduction, Commissioner of Police, Benue State, mobilized a swift response involving the Acting Area Commander Otukpo, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, in collaboration with local youths. The joint team combed the Ojanu/Ijami Village forest using smoke canisters to flush out the kidnappers.
At about 3:25 p.m., the captors, under pressure from the heat of the operation, abandoned the victim. He was successfully rescued, debriefed, and reunited with his family.
While no arrests have been made in the kidnapping case, police authorities say investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend the culprits.
By PRNigeria
