The Benue State Police Command, Makurdi, has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against violent crime with the arrest of seven suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, recovery of weapons, a stolen luxury vehicle, and the uncovering of a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the operations were carried out following credible intelligence gathered across different parts of the state.
On the 21st of the month, operatives of the Command’s tactical team stormed Gboko Local Government Area, where five suspected armed robbers and kidnappers were arrested after a fierce exchange of gunfire with police operatives. The suspects were eventually subdued through what the Command described as superior tactical response.
Recovered from the scene were two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two pistols, and several rounds of live ammunition. The suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department as investigations continue.
In a separate operation on the 22nd, police operatives attached to the Otukpo Division intercepted and recovered a Lexus RX 350 reportedly snatched at gunpoint in Owerri, Imo State. Intelligence indicated that the vehicle was being moved through Benue State before it was intercepted along the Otukpo axis. One suspect was arrested and is assisting investigators.
The Command also made progress in a kidnapping case reported in Ushongo Local Government Area on the 19th of the month. A young man had been declared missing after leaving with a suspected acquaintance, after which the family reportedly received a ₦7 million ransom demand.
Acting on intelligence, detectives arrested one suspect, and further technical investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects in Katsina-Ala on the 22nd. Shockingly, the supposed victim was also discovered to have allegedly participated in staging the kidnapping incident.
In another development, the Command said it also cracked down on suspected armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide cases in Ushongo, recovering a stolen motorcycle linked to one of the crimes.
The police further uncovered a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate involving the recruitment of young women under false promises of overseas employment. Preliminary findings revealed that victims were allegedly trafficked and exploited before some managed to escape and return to Nigeria. One suspect has been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate believed to be operating outside the country.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the gallantry and professionalism of officers involved in the various operations, assuring that the Command will sustain its aggressive crackdown on kidnapping, armed robbery, human trafficking, and other violent crimes across Benue State.
The Command also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, encouraging the public to report suspicious movements through its emergency lines: 08066006475, 07067374913, or at the nearest police station.
