The Benue State Police Command has arrested a man suspected to be the leader of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang allegedly linked to a series of criminal activities in Gboko Local Government Area.

According to security sources, the arrest was carried out on June 8 after law enforcement authorities received credible intelligence that the suspect had been sighted in the Abagu area of Gboko.

Acting on the information, a police team reportedly tracked him down and apprehended the suspect at about 1 pm without resistance.

During the operation, officers allegedly recovered a locally made shotgun, five live rounds of ammunition, and several charms from the suspect.

However, the situation reportedly became tense while the suspect was being transported to a police facility.

Residents who recognised the suspect allegedly intercepted the police vehicle and attempted to attack him.

Police personnel were said to have intervened and rescued the suspect from the mob.

The suspect reportedly sustained injuries during the attack and was subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Gboko, where he was receiving medical treatment.

According to a statement by the police spokesperson, investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the suspect’s alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities within the area.

The police also disclosed that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other suspected members of the gang.

The command reiterated its commitment to tackling criminality across the state and urged residents to avoid mob justice, stressing the importance of allowing law enforcement agencies and the courts to handle criminal cases through due process.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspected cultist and alleged armed robber in Ebute Metta following a swift response to a distress call from residents.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the suspect, identified as Odeshola Afeez, a 22-year-old male, was picked up after reports that a young man was harassing passers-by and causing panic within the community.

Police operatives were immediately deployed to the area, where the suspect was arrested and searched. During the search, a locally made pistol, one cartridge, and local charms were recovered from him.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a notorious cultist who had allegedly been terrorising residents and engaging in activities capable of disturbing public peace. Further findings indicate that he had been evading arrest before his eventual apprehension by Police operatives,” the statement said.  

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, commended the officers involved in the operation for their swift response and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across the state.

The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

The command encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities through its emergency lines.

The Gombe State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man identified as Musa Adamu, for allegedly attacking his girlfriend with a hammer, attempting to strangle her, and robbing her of ₦100,000 in Gombe.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed in a statement that the suspect, a resident of Riyal Quarters, was arrested following a complaint lodged by the victim at the Pantami Divisional Police Headquarters.

He said the victim reported that at about 2:00 a.m., the suspect allegedly gained unlawful access to her residence by scaling the fence and forcefully broke into her room.

The statement said the victim sustained serious injuries during the attack and was immediately taken to a hospital after police operatives visited the scene, adding that 

upon receipt of the complaint, police operatives promptly visited the scene, while the victim was evacuated to a hospital for medical attention, where she was treated and later discharged.

He said police recovered an iron hammer suspected to be stained with blood and a USB cable believed to have been used during the attack.

The Command further revealed that preliminary investigations showed the suspect had earlier requested money from the victim, who is a businesswoman, but she declined.

The suspect remained in police custody while investigations continue, adding that he will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

Abdullahi reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to promptly report suspicious persons and criminal activities to the nearest police station.