Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have neutralised three suspected bandits and rescued eight kidnap victims in separate operations across the state. The State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Rescue Operation in Orokam Community
According to CP Nwadiogbu, the eight kidnapped victims were rescued in the Orokam community of Ogbadigbo Local Government Area. The rescue followed a distress call on May 25, 2026, reporting that armed men had abducted commuters around Adupi in Orokam. A combined team of tactical police operatives, Mobile Police personnel, and local vigilantes engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into nearby bushes. The victims were rescued unhurt without any ransom payment.
Gun Battle in Ukum LGA
In a separate operation, three suspected bandits were killed during a gun battle with security operatives along the Vaase-Chito Road in Gbeji, Ukum LGA. The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of live ammunition, and a motorcycle from the scene. Additionally, a locally fabricated gun and military camouflage abandoned by the fleeing suspects were seized.
Arrests and Crime Crackdown
CP Nwadiogbu also announced the arrest of 10 suspects linked to various crimes, including human trafficking, armed robbery, defilement, gun-running, and cultism, across the state in recent weeks. The police continue to investigate and target fleeing gang members.
This operation follows a similar success in Kebbi State, where police killed a suspected kidnapping gang leader and rescued an abducted resident in the Bagudo local government area. Investigations revealed a gang of eight members, with firearms recovered at the scene.
