15 arrested for kidnapping, robbery in Plateau

Plateau State Police Command has arrested 15 suspects for kidnapping and armed robbery. Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, said: “We have started   to smoke them out of their hideouts, rescue some victims and recover some sophisticated weapons.

“These ember months, we are going after the criminals. I have charged officers to be active and imbibe community policing to flush out criminals. Officers should shun corruption and illegal duty. They should cultivate good relationship with the public and respect the rights of the citizens.

“On August 21, 2026, we marked Nigeria Police Force International Youth Day, an initiative of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, with a walkathon in Jos. The programme stressed the roles of the youths in nation building. It also provided an opportunity to reinforce the Nigeria Police Force campaign against political and digital thuggery, while encouraging young people to embrace responsible citizenship.

“The command used the occasion to remind youths of the importance of “Verify Before You Share”, urging them to exercise responsibility in the use of digital platforms and avoid becoming agents for the spread of misinformation, hate and harmful content.

“We also had youth engagement programme on medical services and health awareness to young people and members of the community, while we had a lecture and interactive engagement discussions covering crime prevention, drug abuse, cultism, political and digital thuggery responsible use of social media, youth participation in community policing and other emerging security challenges.

“Meanwhile, the programme helped in promoting peace, unity, responsible citizenship and a safer, more prosperous in Plateau State. With the directive of IGP Disu, we have commenced Operation VELVET. It is aimed at promoting road safety, preventing avoidable road traffic crashes, reducing traffic congestion, protecting life and property and improving the driving culture of motorists and other road users.

“We have sustained proactive and intelligence-led policing. We have redeployed tactical team to flashpoints to checkmate criminals along Jos-Kaduna; Jos-Bauchi and Jos-Makurdi expressways. We have charged some suspects to court while others are still under investigations.

“We are committed to professionalism and respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law. The command remains firm in its resolve to dismantle armed robbery networks and ensure that the state remains unsafe for criminal elements. I urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continuously support the police by reporting suspicious movements, persons or activities within their communities.”