Kidnap kingpin

By Chibuike Nwabuko

LAFIA (PRECISE POST) – The relentless onslaught against criminals in Nasarawa State has yielded another major breakthrough, as operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to Doma Division have arrested a dreaded armed robbery and kidnap kingpin, Mohammed Bammi a.k.a. “Zomo” (male), of Yelwa village, responsible for multiple kidnappings and robberies across Doma Local Government Area and its environs.

According to the statement released Sunday on the official X handle of the Nasarawa Police Command, the suspect, who narrowly escaped arrest last month when his gang members were apprehended, finally ran out of luck. During a clearance operation at Doka forest, eagle-eyed operatives spotted him.

In a desperate bid to evade capture, he pulled a knife to attack the officers but was swiftly overpowered and arrested.

Upon interrogation, Zomo led detectives to their hideout at Alagye village, Doma, where the following dangerous exhibits were recovered:

– One pump-action rifle (Breech No. P331551)

– One locally made AK-47 rifle with magazine

– Two live ammunition and five cartridges

– One knife and a rope

– Two Tecno

– handsets

– A pair of NSCDC uniforms

In a separate sting operation, based on credible intelligence, undercover operatives attached to Awe Area Command stormed Gidan Taku village, Wuse Chiefdom, Awe LGA, and arrested five suspected members of a notorious 10-man kidnapping syndicate

By Chibuike Nwabuko

ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – In separate operations against criminal elements, the Nigeria Police Force has continued to make substantial progress through proactive policing strategies, resulting in the neutralization of notorious bandits, recovery of firearms and stolen vehicles, and the arrest of numerous suspects involved in kidnapping, cultism, and armed robbery.

The Benue State Police Command has demonstrated its proactive capabilities in a recent operation targeting banditry, the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed in a statement released on Sunday via NPF’s official X account.

According to the statement, on May 3, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, Police operatives attached to the Benue State Command engaged in a gun battle, a group of bandits suspected to be from Shitele and Ukum, who were holding secret meetings at Sankera, planning attacks against security operatives in the area. During the fierce gun duel near Tse-Gondo axis, three bandits sustained fatal gunshot injuries and were later confirmed dead at the hospital. The operatives recovered several exhibits from the scene, including two locally fabricated guns and some live cartridges.

Similarly, operatives of the Delta State Commands CP Special Assignment team arrested one Henry Okpor, a serial car snatcher, on 22nd April, 2025. A pump-action gun, a Toyota Highlander (Reg. No. RBC-414-BL), and a Hyundai car (Reg. No. LSD-367-DU), believed to be stolen, were recovered from him. The Command has also shown strides in suppressing cultism. On April 25, 2025, a sting operation by the CP Special Assignment team led to the apprehension of Mudiaga Okparume and Arinze Humble, confirmed members of the Vikings confraternity. The operatives recovered two Beretta pistols and five rounds of live ammunition.
Furthermore, in a swift response to a kidnapping incident reported on April 26, 2025, where two persons in Agbarho were kidnapped, operatives of the state command mobilized and trailed the suspects to Uvwiama forest in the Ughelli North LGA, where the operatives successfully rescued the two victims during an intense operation. Nine suspects were also apprehended, and a cache of weapons was recovered, including three pump-action guns, three double/single-barrel guns, one locally made gun, and thirteen rounds of live cartridges.

These successful operations are a testament to the dedication and proactive measures taken by the Nigeria Police Force to combat violent crimes. The Force remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens through intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and swift response to report of criminal activities.

All suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of various investigations, the statement said.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has therefore commended the efforts of the gallant operatives and assured members of the public that the Force would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and residents within the country.

PORT HARCOURT- The Police Command in Rivers has announced the arrest of Nwile Bete, 30, a suspected kidnap kingpin during an operation in Port Harcourt.

The operation also led to the rescue of a 10-year-old boy allegedly abducted by the suspect.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday.

She said that Bete allegedly kidnapped the boy on Nov. 25 and demanded a ransom of N5m for his release.

“After the minor was abducted, his mother reported the incident to the police, prompting the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take swift action,” Iringe-Koko said.

She explained that officers, acting on credible intelligence, tracked Bete to Rumuekeni School Road in Rumuekeni Town, Port Harcourt, where he was apprehended.

“While in custody, Bete confessed to the crime and subsequently led operatives to Sogho village in Khana area, where the boy was rescued unharmed.

“The victim has since been debriefed and reunited with his family, while the suspect remains in custody,” she added.

Iringe-Koko confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the other members of Bete’s gang who are currently at large.

She assured that the suspect would face charges in court upon conclusion of the investigation.

“This arrest is a significant breakthrough and part of the police command’s broader strategy to tackle crime and criminal activities in Rivers state,” she said. (NAN)

ABUJA- The inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, says a notorious kidnap kingpin was killed, and two abductors were arrested during an operation to rescue the 20 abducted medical students.

Speaking while handing over the students to their vice-chancellors in Abuja on Sunday, Mr Egbetokun added that the arrested suspects were in custody.

The 20 medical students were on August 15 abducted in Benue while in transit to Enugu.

Mr Egbetokun said the students, five other passengers and two other victims who were already in the captivity of the kidnappers were on August 22 rescued by the police.

He said the successful rescue of the 27 individuals was achieved without any ransom payment.

“I am pleased to inform you that the kingpin of this notorious gang was neutralised during an exchange of fire with our operatives. Two other members of the gang were arrested, with their weapons recovered.

“These individuals are currently in our custody where they are providing valuable information that will help in dismantling their criminal network and prevent future occurrences of such abductions,” he said.

He said the rescue operation was painstakingly difficult and complex, requiring not only the deployment of massive resources but also physical courage, meticulous planning and coordination.

“In this regard, I must extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), whose support was instrumental in this operation. I must place on record the personal commitment of the NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to the success of the operation that led to the successful rescue of the victims.

“I also wish to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of other security agencies who partnered with us, as well as the local vigilantes who played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the mission,” he said.

The police chief said the successful rescue of the victims demonstrated what could be achieved through teamwork for a common goal.

In their remarks, the vice-chancellors of the two universities commended the police and other security agencies for rescuing the students unhurt and without ransom payment.

Tanko Ishaya, the vice-chancellor of the University of Jos, said the university management had concluded plans to work on the trauma associated with kidnap in the lives of the students.

(NAN)