Benue NSCDC arrests 2 suspects over job racketeering

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has busted a job racketeering syndicate and arrested two suspects.

The Commandant, Bitrus Larai, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer (PRO), SC EA Michael, and made available to our correspondent in Makurdi yesterday.

The suspects, Michael Abah, 42, and John Ogbu, 37, were paraded for alleged criminal conspiracy and job racketeering.

The commandant said the arrest followed a strategic and coordinated action plan based on credible intelligence.

According to her, the suspects were arrested on April 30, 2026, in Makurdi after they allegedly attempted to conduct a stage-managed data capturing exercise for unsuspecting applicants.

The commandant, while parading the suspects through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC EA Michael, disclosed that after preliminary investigation, the sum of N1,178,500 had been paid to one of the principal suspects, Michael Abah, by some applicants.

Further investigation also revealed that the sum of N116,500 was collected by Abah for the procurement of uniforms and other items.

Larai admonished unsuspecting members of the public to tread with utmost caution and be wary of criminal elements, emphasising that the Federal Ministry of Interior has structured procedures for job placement and appointment.

She said items recovered from the suspects include copies of application forms, passport photographs of applicants and a still camera.

She added that the command would, upon completion of investigation, hand over the suspects for diligent prosecution.