The Nigeria Police Force has said that it rescued two kidnapped victims, arrested nine suspected kidnappers, and neutralized three bandits in its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across the country.
A statement issued Sunday by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, revealed that the operations were carried out by police commands in Benue and Delta states, reflecting the Force’s commitment to combating violent crime through intelligence-led policing.
According to the statement, in Benue State, operatives engaged a gang of suspected bandits believed to be from Shitile and Ukum, who were reportedly holding secret meetings in Sankera to plot attacks on security agents.
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“Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives stormed the Tse-Gondo axis on May 3, resulting in a fierce gun battle. Three of the bandits were fatally wounded and later confirmed dead in hospital.
“Recovered from the scene were two locally made guns and live cartridges”, the statement reads.
The Police also noted that in Delta State, the Command’s CP Special Assignment team arrested a known car thief, Henry Okpor, on April 22.
The police recovered a pump-action gun, a Toyota Highlander (registration number RBC-414-BL), and a Hyundai car (registration number LSD-367-DU), all suspected to be stolen.
“Further anti-crime efforts in Delta led to the arrest of two alleged cultists, Mudiaga Okparume and Arinze Humble, on April 25. Both men, said to be members of the Vikings confraternity, were found with two Beretta pistols and five rounds of ammunition”, the Police said.
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It further noted that in a separate operation responding to a kidnap report in Agbarho on April 26, police tracked the suspects to Uvwiama forest in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
“Two victims were rescued unharmed, and nine suspects were arrested. A significant cache of arms was also recovered: three pump-action guns, three barrel-type firearms, a locally made gun, and thirteen rounds of live cartridges.
“These successful operations are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering resolve to safeguard lives and property,” the Police said.
The Force added that all arrested suspects will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, praised the operatives for their gallantry and reiterated the Force’s commitment to ensuring public safety across Nigeria.
He emphasized that proactive policing, community partnerships, and rapid response to threats remain key strategies in the war against crime.
