The Benue State Police Command has recorded major wins in its anti-crime drive, rescuing eight kidnapped persons, killing three suspected armed bandits, and arresting 10 suspects for offences including human trafficking, armed robbery, rape, cultism and illegal firearms possession.

Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu told journalists Friday in Makurdi that the briefing was to show transparency and update residents on efforts to protect lives and property.

He said police tactical teams, the Police Mobile Force and local vigilantes rescued eight victims abducted around Adupi in Orokam, Ogbadibo LGA, after a gun battle forced the kidnappers to flee without ransom. A locally made single-barrel gun and a military uniform were recovered. In Ukum LGA, operatives neutralised three bandits, some in camouflage, along the Vaase-Chito Road in Gbeji and recovered an AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle. The Command also arrested 40-year-old Ashide Nyityon for allegedly trafficking two women from Naka, Gwer West, to Ghana via Lagos under false job promises. Police said the victims were sexually assaulted before escaping back to Naka, and the suspect is helping track other members of the network.