Troops operating along the Katsina-Ala–Takum highway in Benue State have arrested 25 suspected kidnappers and bandits in a coordinated security operation. Acting on intelligence reports, the combined team of soldiers and police launched a patrol around Tor-Donga and Gbise, two communities known for bandit activity. During the mission, four suspects were caught while attempting to flee. As the security convoy returned to Tor-Donga, more suspicious individuals were intercepted near Gbise, leading to the arrest of 21 additional suspects. All 25 are now in custody as investigations continue and security presence remains heightened in the area.
Meanwhile, the police have also apprehended a suspect linked to the recent abduction of passengers traveling in a Benue Links bus. The incident occurred on June 22 along the Eke Road in Okpokwu Local Government Area. The bus, which had 12 passengers and a driver on board, was hijacked by armed men who led the victims into the bush. One of the passengers managed to escape and alerted security forces. A rescue operation launched by the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Intervention Squad, in collaboration with the military and other agencies, led to the rescue of 11 victims on June 29. The rescued passengers were found deep in the forest around Ondo village. The arrested suspect is currently in custody, while efforts are underway to track down the remaining members of the gang and recover any other missing individuals.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to tackling insecurity in the state and called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. The recent successes are seen as a major boost to the fight against kidnapping and banditry in the region.
