The Nigeria Police Force successfully smoked out kidnappers from their dens in Benue, Nasarawa, and Bayelsa State, between December 31st, 2024 and January 7, 2025.

The Force also recovered arms and ammunition, and rescued victims.

This was disclosed n a statement with the Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/326 Date: 9th January 2025, signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force PRO, Force Headquarters Abuja.

It said: ” at Kwande LGA, Benue State, Police operatives of the Vandiekya Police Divisional Headquarters, Benue State, received a distress call concerning the kidnap of one Tor Gajir by unknown gunmen at the Kwande LGA of the state

. “Upon receipt of this information, the investigation was swiftly escalated, and the police operatives followed the trail to one Desmond Ahar.

The suspect was accosted, and subsequent interrogation revealed the suspect was part of the kidnappers. The suspect, Desmond Ahar, then led the operatives to where the victim was being kept at Adikpo, Benue State.

Upon arrival at the kidnappers’ den, the kidnappers spotted the police operatives and immediately engaged them in a gun duel.

In the ensuing confrontation, officers were able to neutralize three of the suspects, while others fled with bullet wounds.

The victim was rescued unhurt and immediately given medical attention to assess any physical or psychological impact.

The success of the operation also led to the recovery of 2 AK-47s and 6 loaded magazines, with several live ammunition. Efforts are intensified to apprehend the fleeing member of the gang and recover other arms.

In a similar operation in Nasarawa State, police operatives attached to the state command located an abandoned sienna vehicle on the 28th of December 2024, along Keffi-Kaduna Highway, Angwan Wayo Village, suspected to have been attacked.

The operatives followed the trail and located 2 hostages who had been captured by kidnappers. The victims were rescued unhurt, and efforts are still ongoing to arrest the fleeing kidnappers.

More recently, on the 7th of January 2025, police operatives of the Bayelsa State Command intercepted one Usman Mohammed ‘m’ en route to Rivers State.

A thoroughly conducted search led to the recovery of 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 Type 09 AR, 2 AK-47 Magazines, 2 Type 09 AR Magazines, and 120 rounds of ammunition of various calibers concealed by the vehicle.

The suspect has been arrested, and the investigation is still ongoing.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the operatives for these successes recorded specifically in the affected states and across the country.

He charging them to sustain the tempo to attain excellence in internal security and safety in Nigeria.

The incidents highlight the bravery and dedication of our police officers to keep our communities safe.

The IGP further encourages members of the community to remain vigilant and volunteer to play their role in ensuring public safety and general security in Nigeria.