Benue: Police arrest suspected kidnap gang leader, seize weapon in Gboko

Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have arrested a man suspected to be the leader of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang believed to have carried out several criminal operations in Gboko Local Government Area.

The arrest was made on June 8 after security operatives received credible intelligence indicating that the suspect had been spotted in the Abagu area of Gboko.

Acting swiftly on the tip-off, a police team tracked down and apprehended the suspect at about 1:00 p.m. without resistance.

Security sources revealed that officers recovered a locally made short gun, five live rounds of ammunition, and various charms from the suspect during the operation.

However, trouble erupted while the suspect was being transported to a police facility, as a crowd of aggrieved residents reportedly intercepted the police vehicle and attempted to take matters into their own hands.

The mob allegedly attacked the suspect before police personnel intervened and managed to rescue him from the scene.

The suspect sustained injuries during the assault and was later rushed to the General Hospital in Gboko, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities in the area.

The command also disclosed that efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest other members of the suspected gang.

Reaffirming its commitment to combating crime, the police urged residents to allow law enforcement agencies to handle criminal matters through lawful procedures and avoid resorting to mob action.