Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have arrested a suspected armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate leader allegedly responsible for a series of criminal activities in Gboko Local Government Area of the state.
Police sources disclosed that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:00 p.m. on June 8 following credible intelligence that he had been sighted in the Abagu area of Gboko.
Acting on the information, a police team swiftly moved to the location and successfully arrested the suspect without incident.
According to the sources, a locally fabricated short gun, five rounds of live ammunition and assorted charms were recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest.
However, while the suspect was being transported to the police station, a large crowd of angry residents reportedly intercepted the police team and attempted to lynch him.
The mob allegedly assaulted the suspect before security personnel managed to extricate him from the scene and restore order.
The suspect sustained injuries during the attack and was subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Gboko, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Police authorities said investigation is ongoing to determine the suspect’s alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping and other criminal activities within the area.
Efforts are also underway to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that criminal suspects are subjected to due process and urged members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
