18 suspects from a kidnapping gang were detained by Benue State Police officers during a stop-and-search operation along Utonkon Road in the state's Ado Local Government Area (LGA).
The arrest of the suspects in the region, which had previously seen numerous kidnapping instances, also resulted in the discovery of weapons and live ammunition from the suspects who were alleged to have besieged the hamlet of Ikpayongo in the state's Gwer LGA.
According to a source in the neighbourhood, the bandits are said to have stormed the LGA for an operation before being spotted by residents who then called the police.
“The people assisted the police to ensure that they were arrested before they carried out their operation in the communities on that axis of the LGA,” he said.
Confirming the arrest in a statement in Makurdi, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene stated that the suspects were arrested Sunday morning at about 7:30am.
According to her, “information was received about suspected kidnappers who were trying to bypass police checkpoints at Utonkon road, Ado LGA.
“Police officers deployed to the area in collaboration with members of the community were able to intercept and arrest 18 suspects all male of Ikpayongo, Gwer LGA.
“Items recovered from them includes, one AK-47 rifle and two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 6.72mm live ammunition. Investigation into the matter is ongoing.”