The Nigeria Police neutralised six kidnappers in Abia, arrested suspects in Benue, and recovered arms, ammunition, and drugs in a nationwide security operation targeting criminal syndicates
Police Kill Six Kidnappers, Arrest Suspects, Recover Arms in Nationwide Security Crackdown
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing nationwide crackdown on criminal networks, with the arrest of suspects in Benue State and the killing of six notorious kidnappers during a joint security operation at the Abia–Akwa Ibom border.
In Benue, the State Police Command confirmed the arrest of three suspects in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area for unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, and illicit drugs. The operation, carried out around 1:20 a.m. on Friday with support from operatives of Mobile Police 3, Enugu, followed credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Sunday Ejibo, 39, of Ejema village, Orokam, who was found with a locally fabricated pistol designed to use AK-47 ammunition, one 7.62mm round, and substances suspected to be methamphetamine (ice) and cannabis. Two others, Peter Kenneth, 35, and John Mathew, 36, both of Iru village in Orokam, were caught with a pair of Police Mobile Force uniforms and suspected hard drugs.
Police sources confirmed that the suspects and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
Meanwhile, in Abia State, operatives stormed Ikot Ukpon village in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom on August 21, acting on intelligence linked to the March 4, 2025, abduction of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas along Azumiri Road in Ukwa East LGA. That incident 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 male suspects were initially arrested, and 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 items were recovered.
However, as operatives exited the camp, they were ambushed by gang members attempting to free the arrested suspects. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the killing of six suspected kidnappers who sustained fatal injuries while trying to escape. Two police officers were injured in the crossfire and are currently receiving treatment.
Security sources disclosed that surrounding areas are still being combed for fleeing suspects, while investigations continue to dismantle the wider kidnapping syndicate operating across Abia and neighbouring states.
The Police assured residents of their unwavering commitment to sustaining the ongoing nationwide crackdown aimed at restoring peace and security across the country. Read More
