Benue State Police Command said its officers and other security agents have neutralised three suspected kidnappers and rescued two abducted people.
The rescue occurred early on May 29 in the state’s
The operation took place in Ukum Local Government Area on Wednesday, where the kidnappers reportedly kidnapped two victims from their homes about a week ago and demanded for N23 million in ransom.
Confirming the report, SP Catherine Anene, the State Police Public Relations Officer, revealed that a team from Operation Zenda, a joint task force, raided the kidnappers’ hideout at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Anene said, “On 29/5/2024 at about 0600hrs, officers of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force stormed the kidnappers’ hideout.
“On sighting the police, the kidnappers led by the gang leader, Tersue Dada, aka ‘Causer’, engaged the team in a gun duel but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the police.
“Consequently, three suspects sustained gunshot injuries and were eventually confirmed dead at the hospital while one of the suspects, Terver Tavershima of Tinenune, Ukum LGA, was arrested.”
She also alleged that the police discovered one AK-47 weapon, a Danish gun, many mobile phones, camouflage clothing and a motorbike at the hideout.
According to the police Spokesperson, the freed victims, who were unharmed, disclosed that they had been taken from their houses and held for a ransom of N23 million.
She stated that the Police Command was dedicated to eradicating banditry along the Sankara axis and assuring the safe return of displaced residents to their ancestral homes.
Anene added that Hassan Yabanet, the Commissioner of Police, was pushing the people to work with law enforcement authorities to improve regional security operations.