Police arrest alleged kidnap gang leader in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has arrested a man suspected to be the leader of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang allegedly linked to a series of criminal activities in Gboko Local Government Area.

According to security sources, the arrest was carried out on June 8 after law enforcement authorities received credible intelligence that the suspect had been sighted in the Abagu area of Gboko.

Acting on the information, a police team reportedly tracked him down and apprehended the suspect at about 1 pm without resistance.

During the operation, officers allegedly recovered a locally made shotgun, five live rounds of ammunition, and several charms from the suspect.

However, the situation reportedly became tense while the suspect was being transported to a police facility.

Residents who recognised the suspect allegedly intercepted the police vehicle and attempted to attack him.

Police personnel were said to have intervened and rescued the suspect from the mob.

The suspect reportedly sustained injuries during the attack and was subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Gboko, where he was receiving medical treatment.

According to a statement by the police spokesperson, investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the suspect’s alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities within the area.

The police also disclosed that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other suspected members of the gang.

The command reiterated its commitment to tackling criminality across the state and urged residents to avoid mob justice, stressing the importance of allowing law enforcement agencies and the courts to handle criminal cases through due process.