The Nigeria Police Force has recorded major successes in Benue and Akwa Ibom States with the arrest of suspects, recovery of arms, and neutralisation of six notorious kidnappers.
In Benue State, operatives of the Police Command, in collaboration with Mobile Police 3 from Enugu, conducted a raid at about 1:20 a.m. on Friday in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area following credible intelligence.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation for unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and illicit drugs.
They were identified as Sunday Ejibo, 39, of Ejema village, Orokam; Peter Kenneth, 35; and John Mathew, 36, both from Iru village, Orokam.
Ejibo was found in possession of a locally fabricated pistol designed to use AK-47 ammunition, one 7.62mm round, and substances suspected to be methamphetamine and cannabis.
Kenneth and Mathew were caught with a pair of Police Mobile Force uniforms and suspected hard drugs.
Police authorities confirmed that the suspects and the recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, a joint security team stormed Ikot Ukpon village in Obot Akara Local Government Area on August 21, acting on intelligence linked to the March 4, 2025, abduction of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas along Azumiri Road, Ukwa East LGA, Abia State.
The abduction incident had 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 suspects were arrested, while security operatives recovered 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.
However, on their way out of the camp, operatives were ambushed by members of the gang attempting to free the arrested suspects.
A fierce gun battle occurred, leaving six suspected kidnappers fatally wounded while trying to escape.
Two police operatives sustained injuries in the exchange and are currently receiving treatment.
Security sources disclosed that the surrounding bush was being combed for fleeing suspects, adding that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the wider kidnapping syndicate terrorising Abia and neighbouring states.
The Police, in a statement, reassured residents of their commitment to sustaining the nationwide crackdown and restoring peace and security across the country.
