Police Neutralize 3 Bandits, Rescue Kidnap Victims, Arrest 9 Suspects
In a renewed onslaught against violent crimes across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued two kidnap victims, arrested nine suspected kidnappers, and neutralized three notorious bandits in coordinated operations in Benue and Delta states.
A statement issued on Sunday, May 4, 2025, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the operations were part of the Force’s intensified efforts to tackle rising insecurity through intelligence-led policing and community collaboration.
In Benue State, operatives acting on credible intelligence launched a daring operation on May 3, targeting bandits allegedly operating from Shitele and Ukum. The armed group was reportedly holding a secret meeting in Sankera to plot attacks against security forces. The operation led to a fierce gun battle near Tse-Gondo, where three of the armed bandits sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were later confirmed dead at a hospital. Police recovered locally fabricated firearms and live cartridges at the scene.
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In a separate operation in Delta State, the CP Special Assignment team recorded a string of successes. On April 22, police arrested a notorious car thief, Henry Okpor, and recovered a pump-action gun, a Toyota Highlander, and a Hyundai vehicle suspected to have been stolen.
On April 25, operatives also busted a cult cell and apprehended two suspected members of the Vikings confraternity—Mudiaga Okparume and Arinze Humble—recovering two Beretta pistols and live ammunition.
Just a day later, in swift response to a kidnapping case in Agbarho, police trailed the perpetrators to Uvwiama forest in Ughelli North LGA. In a tense rescue operation, the two abducted victims were freed unharmed. Nine suspects were arrested and a large cache of arms recovered, including pump-action and double-barrel guns, a locally made firearm, and over a dozen rounds of ammunition.
“These successful operations are a testament to the dedication and proactive measures of the Nigeria Police Force to combat violent crimes,” the statement noted.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the gallantry of the operatives and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks nationwide. He urged officers to sustain the tempo and assured citizens of continued efforts to protect lives and property.
All arrested suspects, according to the statement, will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
By PRNigeria
