By Deborah Nnamdi
The Nigeria Police Force has reported a series of successful operations in Benue and Delta States, which led to the neutralization of three armed bandits, the rescue of two kidnapped victims, the arrest of nine suspects, and the recovery of a significant cache of firearms and stolen vehicles.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, these outcomes stem from intelligence-driven and proactive policing efforts.
“On Saturday, May 3, 2025, officers from the Benue State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, engaged suspected bandits in a gun battle near Tse-Gondo in the Sankara area. The group was allegedly planning coordinated attacks on security personnel.
“Three of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were later confirmed dead at the hospital,” Adejobi said.
Two locally made firearms and several live cartridges were recovered at the scene.
In Delta State, a string of targeted operations also produced notable results: The CP Special Assignment Team on April 22, 2025, arrested Henry Okpor, a suspected serial car thief. Seized from him were: A pump-action shotgun, Toyota Highlander (Reg. No. RBC-414-BL), and a Hyundai vehicle (Reg. No. LSD-367-DU) – both believed to be stolen
On April 25, 2025, a sting operation led to the arrest of Mudiaga Okparume and Arinze Humble, alleged members of the Vikings confraternity. Confiscated items included: Two Beretta pistols, and Five live rounds of ammunition
Following the abduction of two individuals in Agbarho on April 26, 2025, officers tracked the kidnappers to Uvwiama forest in Ughelli North LGA. Both victims were rescued during a tactical operation. Nine suspects were apprehended, and weapons recovered included: Three pump-action guns, Three double and single-barrel guns, One locally made firearm, and, 13 live cartridges
ACP Adejobi emphasized the Force’s ongoing commitment to public safety:
“These successful operations demonstrate our resolve to tackle violent crime. We remain committed to protecting citizens through intelligence-led policing and rapid response to threats.”
He added that all arrested individuals will face prosecution following the completion of investigations.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, lauded the efforts of the operatives and reassured Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives and property nationwide.
