The Benue State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against violent crimes across the state, leading to the arrest of seven suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, recovery of weapons and ammunition, a stolen vehicle, as well as the uncovering of a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, operatives of the Command’s tactical team acting on credible intelligence carried out a coordinated operation in Gboko Local Government Area on May 21, 2026, where five suspected armed robbers and kidnappers were arrested.
The statement revealed that the suspects engaged the operatives in a gun duel before they were overpowered by the police tactical team.
Items recovered during the operation included two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, two pistols, and several rounds of live ammunition. The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations have commenced at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
In another operation on May 22, 2026, operatives attached to the Otukpo Division recovered a Lexus RX 350 vehicle reportedly snatched at gunpoint in Owerri.
Police authorities disclosed that acting on intelligence reports indicating that the stolen vehicle was being moved through Benue State, officers intercepted it within the Otukpo axis and arrested one suspect who is now assisting ongoing investigations.
The Command also recorded another breakthrough in an investigation into a reported kidnapping incident in Ushongo Local Government Area on May 19, 2026.
According to the police, detectives launched investigations after receiving a complaint that a young man had gone missing after accompanying a suspected acquaintance and that his family later received a ransom demand of N7 million.
Following intelligence-led investigations, one suspect linked to the case was arrested. Further technical intelligence later led to the arrest of two additional suspects in Katsina-Ala, including the purported victim, who was allegedly found to have conspired in arranging the kidnapping.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
The police also disclosed that separate investigations involving alleged armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide in Ushongo Local Government Area led to the arrest of additional suspects, while a stolen motorcycle connected to one of the incidents was recovered.
In another major development, the Command uncovered a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate allegedly involved in deceiving young women with fake overseas job opportunities.
Preliminary investigations indicated that some victims were trafficked outside the country and subjected to exploitation and abuse before escaping and returning to Nigeria.
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 Nigeria.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the gallantry, professionalism, and resilience of officers involved in the operations.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, human trafficking, and other violent crimes across Benue State.
The police also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information and to report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines or at the nearest police station.
