Police Neutralise Kidnappers, Arrest Suspects, Recover Arms in Nationwide Crackdown
The Police have recorded major breakthroughs in the fight against criminality with the arrest of suspects in Benue State and the killing of six notorious kidnappers during a joint security operation at the Abia–Akwa Ibom border.
In Benue, the Police Command said three suspects were arrested in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area for unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and illicit drugs. The operation, carried out at about 1:20 a.m. on Friday by security operatives with support from visiting operatives of Mobile Police 3, Enugu, followed credible intelligence.
Those arrested include Sunday Ejibo, 39, of Ejema village, Orokam, found with a locally fabricated pistol designed to use AK-47 ammunition, one 7.62mm round, and substances suspected to be methamphetamine (ice) and cannabis. Two others, Peter Kenneth, 35, and John Mathew, 36, both from Iru village in Orokam, were found with a pair of Police Mobile Force uniform and suspected hard drugs.
Police sources confirmed that the suspects and recovered items have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
Read Also:
Meanwhile, in Abia State, operatives stormed Ikot Ukpon village in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom on August 21, following intelligence linked to the March 4, 2025, abduction of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas along Azumiri road in Ukwa East LGA. The incident also claimed the lives of ASP Tanko Natip of the Counter Terrorism Unit, Rivers Command, and two civilians, Mr. Anayo Ukwu and Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke, Managing Director of Dozzman Filling Station.
During the raid, six male suspects were initially arrested and two AK-47 rifles with breech numbers 03221 and 09022, 57 rounds of live ammunition, six magazines, a locally made pistol, charms, and other spiritual materials were recovered.
However, while exiting the camp, operatives were ambushed by other gang members in a bid to free the arrested suspects. A fierce gun battle ensued, leading to the killing of six suspected kidnappers who sustained fatal injuries while attempting to escape. Two police operatives were injured in the shootout and are currently receiving treatment.
Security sources disclosed that the surrounding bush was still being combed for fleeing suspects, while investigations were ongoing to dismantle the wider kidnapping syndicate operating across Abia and neighbouring states.
The Police assured residents of their commitment to sustaining the ongoing nationwide crackdown to restore peace and security.
By PRNigeria
