Three individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities were apprehended by security personnel in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The suspects were arrested on Sunday near Ogoli-Ugboju in the locality.
The incident comes after residents of Otukpo town held a protest last Tuesday, expressing concerns over the increasing insecurity in both the town and surrounding areas.
The police responded by deploying additional officers to the region in light of the growing security challenges.
This follows an alarming incident on Thursday night when gunmen hijacked a bus from the state transport company, ‘Benue Links,’ killing two passengers and kidnapping 14 others.
However, police, with assistance from the State Protection Guards, were able to rescue the victims within 24 hours.
According to reports, the three individuals arrested are believed to be part of a notorious kidnapping gang that has been terrorizing the area.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the arrest, stating that security forces, upon spotting the kidnappers, pursued and caught them.
He further revealed, “We learnt from an intelligence report that they are a gang of five kidnappers. Three have been apprehended. Security agents are going after the remaining two and their collaborators.”
The spokesperson for the state police command, Catherine Anene, also confirmed the arrests and noted that an ongoing operation is taking place in Otukpo.
“Operation is ongoing in Otukpo and am aware that some suspects have been arrested,” she said.
