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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
In a major operational breakthrough against violent crimes across the state, the Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Ifeanyi Emenari disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet and issued to newsmen in Makurdi on Saturday.
The Commissioner is 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.
According to him, the suspects are under police custody, while investigation has commenced at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
“Similarly, on 22/05/2026 operatives attached to Otukpo Division successfully recovered a Lexus RX 350 vehicle reportedly snatched at gunpoint in Owerri, Imo State. Acting on intelligence that the vehicle was being moved through Benue State, police operatives swiftly intercepted the vehicle within the Otukpo axis and arrested one suspect, who is currently assisting ongoing investigations.
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“The Command also recorded another breakthrough in an investigation involving a reported kidnapping incident in Ushongo Local Government Area on the 19/05/2026. Following a complaint that a young man had gone missing after accompanying a suspected acquaintance and that the family later received a ransom demand of Seven Million Naira (#7,000,000), detectives swung into action and arrested one suspect linked to the case.”
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.
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 noted that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate believed to be operating outside the country.
CP Emenari commended the gallantry, professionalism, and resilience displayed by officers involved in the various operations and pledged the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, human trafficking, and other violent crimes across Benue State.
He urged embers of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information and to report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines 08066006475, 07067374913 or at the nearest police station.
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