Benue: Police arrest seven suspected kidnappers, recover rifles, Lexus SUV

The Benue State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against criminal activities with the arrest of seven suspected kidnappers and armed robbery suspects, as well as the recovery of firearms and a stolen Lexus SUV.

The command also exposed an alleged human trafficking and fake overseas job syndicate accused of deceiving and exploiting young women with fraudulent employment promises abroad.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, operatives attached to the tactical unit carried out a coordinated raid in Gboko Local Government Area on May 21, 2026, following actionable intelligence.

During the operation, five suspects believed to be involved in kidnapping and armed robbery were apprehended after reportedly engaging security operatives in an exchange of gunfire.

Police recovered two fabricated AK-47 rifles, two pistols, and live ammunition from the suspects, who are currently under investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

In another development, officers from the Otukpo Police Division intercepted a Lexus RX 350 allegedly snatched at gunpoint in Owerri.

The command explained that intelligence reports indicated the stolen vehicle was being moved through Benue State, prompting operatives to trail and intercept it along the Otukpo route.

One suspect was arrested in connection with the incident and is assisting detectives with further investigation.

The police also announced progress in the investigation of a kidnapping case in Ushongo Local Government Area where abductors allegedly demanded N7 million ransom from a family.

According to investigators, the victim was reported missing after leaving home with a suspected acquaintance, after which the family began receiving ransom calls.

Further investigations led to the arrest of one suspect initially, while additional operations in Katsina-Ala resulted in the arrest of two more persons, including the alleged victim, whom police accused of masterminding the staged abduction.

All those arrested are said to be in custody as investigations continue.

The command further confirmed the arrest of suspects linked to separate cases involving alleged armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide in Ushongo, with officers also recovering a stolen motorcycle tied to one of the incidents.

Meanwhile, police operatives uncovered a suspected trafficking and fake employment syndicate allegedly involved in luring young women with promises of lucrative jobs overseas.

Preliminary investigations revealed that some victims were trafficked and subjected to abuse and exploitation before managing to escape and return to the country.

One suspect has been arrested in connection with the alleged syndicate, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members believed to be operating from outside Nigeria.

Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the officers for their courage and professionalism.

He reaffirmed the command’s determination to intensify the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, human trafficking, and other criminal activities across Benue State, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.