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…Recover stolen vehicle, two AK-47 rifles
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
In a major operational breakthrough against violent crimes, the Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, issued yesterday in Makurdi.
The Commissioner said the Command also recovered one stolen vehicle, two AK-47 rifles, other arms and ammunition, and uncovered a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate.
He explained that “On 21/05/2026, operatives of the Command’s tactical team acting on credible intelligence carried out a tactical operation in Gboko Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of five suspected armed robbers and kidnappers.
“The suspects reportedly engaged police operatives in a gun duel before they were subdued by the superior tactical response of the operatives.”
He said during the operation two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two pistols, and rounds of live ammunition were recovered from yhem.
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According to him, the suspects are under police custody, while investigation has commenced at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
“Further investigation aided by technical intelligence led to the arrest of two additional suspects at Katsina-Ala on 22/05/2026, including the purported victim, who was discovered to have allegedly conspired in the kidnapping arrangement. The suspects are currently in custody as investigation continues.
“The Command also recorded breakthroughs in separate investigations involving alleged armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide in Ushongo Local Government Area. Following intensive investigation and intelligence gathering, suspects connected to the incidents were arrested, while a stolen motorcycle linked to one of the cases was also recovered,” he added.
In another development, the Command uncovered a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate involving the deceptive recruitment of young women under the guise of securing employment opportunities outside the country. He said preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were allegedly trafficked and subjected to exploitation and abuse before escaping and returning to Nigeria.
He said one suspect had been arrested in connection with the case, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate believed to be operating outside the country.
