The Benue State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued a victim unhurt.
Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said the incident occurred at about 3:00am on Thursday, December 25, 2025 along the Tiortu area of the state when the victim, identified as Akume Geoffrey, was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi.
Edet said the victim was reportedly intercepted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers, who forcefully abducted him and attempted to take him into a nearby forest.
But that Police operatives swiftly mobilised after receiving a distress alert, launched intensive patrols and a coordinated search of the area.
“On sighting the police patrol team and hearing sirens, the suspects abandoned the victim and fled into the forest,” the PPRO said.
“The victim was rescued unhurt and taken to Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed by the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari.”
She added that the rescued victim was later reunited with his family while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Enemari, has commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism.
Emenari, according to the police spokesperson, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly during the festive period.
He added that patrols, stop-and-search operations and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across strategic locations in the state, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.