In a significant security breakthrough, troops have apprehended 25 individuals suspected of involvement in banditry and kidnapping during a coordinated operation along the Katsina-Ala–Takum Federal Highway in Benue State.
According to a statement released by the Benue State Police Command, the operation was launched on Monday in response to intelligence reports indicating planned attacks on Tor-Donga town by suspected armed herdsmen and bandits.
The command revealed that the patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, moved to Gbise — a known hotspot for criminal activity along the highway — where four suspects were initially intercepted. The individuals reportedly attempted to flee upon sighting the security convoy.
The statement read, “While returning to Tor-Donga, the operatives again sighted suspicious movement around the same Gbise area.
“A general raid of the surroundings was carried out, leading to the arrest of 21 more suspects believed to be linked to recent kidnappings and banditry in the area.”
In response to rising fears over armed herdsmen attacks and kidnappings, security presence has been significantly reinforced in Katsina-Ala and neighboring communities.
