Police arrest seven suspected kidnappers, recover rifles, stolen vehicle in Benue

Benue State police have apprehended seven individuals suspected of kidnapping and armed robbery, in a series of operations that also yielded firearms, ammunition, a stolen vehicle, and exposed a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering ring. The disclosures were made by the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet.

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The suspects are under police custody, while investigation has commenced at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Officers from the command's tactical team arrested five suspects in Gboko Local Government Area on May 21 after a gun battle. Recovered items included two locally made AK-47 rifles and two pistols with live ammunition. These suspects are now in custody, and the State Criminal Investigation Department has begun its probe.

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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.

In a separate incident, operatives intercepted a Lexus RX 350 vehicle in Otukpo on May 22. The vehicle was reportedly stolen at gunpoint in Owerri, Imo State, and was being transported through Benue. One suspect was arrested and is assisting with the investigation.

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The suspects are currently in custody as investigation continues.

Furthermore, detectives uncovered an alleged staged kidnapping in Ushongo Local Government Area. Following a ransom demand for a missing young man, investigators arrested a suspect, leading to the apprehension of two more individuals, including the supposed victim, who allegedly conspired in the plot. The police also reported arrests related to armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide in Ushongo, with a stolen motorcycle recovered. In another development, a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate, allegedly deceiving young women with fake overseas job offers, was uncovered. One suspect is in custody, while efforts continue to find others operating abroad.

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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.