Benue State Police Command has intensified its clampdown on violent crimes with the arrest of seven suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, alongside the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and a stolen Lexus vehicle.
The Command also uncovered a suspected human trafficking and fake job recruitment network allegedly exploiting young women with fraudulent overseas employment offers.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed that operatives of the Command’s tactical squad carried out a targeted raid in Gboko Local Government Area on May 21, 2026, after acting on credible intelligence.
During the operation, police arrested five suspects linked to kidnapping and armed robbery activities. The suspects were said to have engaged operatives in a gun battle before being subdued and taken into custody.
Items recovered during the raid included two locally made AK-47 rifles, two pistols, and several rounds of live ammunition. The suspects are currently being held as the State Criminal Investigation Department continues investigations into the case.
In a separate operation conducted on May 22, officers attached to the Otukpo Division intercepted a Lexus RX 350 reportedly stolen at gunpoint in Owerri.
According to the police, intelligence reports revealed that the vehicle was being transported through Benue State, prompting operatives to trail and intercept it around the Otukpo axis. One suspect was apprehended and is currently assisting with investigations.
The Command further disclosed that detectives recorded progress in a kidnapping case in Ushongo Local Government Area involving a N7 million ransom demand.
Police explained that investigations commenced after a family reported that a young man disappeared after leaving with a suspected acquaintance. Shortly after, the family allegedly received ransom demands from the abductors.
Investigators initially arrested one suspect, while further intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of two more persons in Katsina-Ala, including the alleged victim, who police claimed collaborated in orchestrating the fake abduction.
All suspects remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
The police also confirmed the arrest of suspects connected to separate incidents of alleged armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide in Ushongo LGA. A stolen motorcycle linked to one of the incidents was also recovered.
Meanwhile, the Command uncovered a suspected human trafficking and employment scam syndicate accused of luring young women with fake promises of jobs abroad.
Preliminary findings indicated that some victims were allegedly trafficked and subjected to exploitation and abuse before eventually escaping and returning to Nigeria.
Police confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the syndicate, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members believed to be operating outside Nigeria.
Commending the officers involved in the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, praised their professionalism, bravery, and dedication to duty.
He reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, trafficking, and other violent crimes across Benue State, while encouraging residents to continue sharing useful information with security agencies.
