The Nigerian Police have arrested a suspect tied to the shocking abduction of 21 medical students in Benue State in August 2024. The arrest, which was made public by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7, Mr. Benneth Igweh, is seen as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, AIG Igweh revealed that the suspect, along with two other accomplices who are still at large, was part of a notorious gang operating in Benue and surrounding areas. The gang is known for engaging in both armed robbery and kidnapping activities, terrorizing travelers and locals alike.
“The suspect in our custody has admitted to being a member of the gang that was responsible for the kidnapping of the 21 medical students in August 2024,” Igweh said. “We are currently working tirelessly to apprehend the two remaining members of this criminal syndicate.”
The incident, which captured national attention, involved the abduction of 21 medical students from a local university who were on their way home during the semester break. The students were held hostage for several days before being released after a ransom was paid. However, the police investigation led to the discovery of a deeper web of criminal activity involving the suspect now in custody.
According to Igweh, the suspect confessed to committing a series of robberies along Adiga Road in Benue, where he and his gang would seize motorcycles from unsuspecting travelers. “He admitted to using various charms for protection during these robberies, which he claims were instrumental in their ability to evade arrest for so long,” Igweh noted.
The suspect also revealed disturbing details about his involvement in arms trafficking. He confessed to selling his rifle to a retired soldier in Akpodo for N25,000. This admission has raised concerns about the wider network of arms dealers operating within the region.
“We are not just dealing with a kidnapping syndicate; this is a well-organized gang with extensive criminal operations that span multiple states,” AIG Igweh explained. “We are committed to ensuring that every member of this gang is brought to justice.”
The police have launched an all-out manhunt for the two remaining suspects, whose whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities are urging anyone with information about their location to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in bringing criminals to justice.
In a separate but related operation, the police in Zone 7 have also made significant strides in tackling theft and vandalism of public infrastructure. Igweh reported the recent arrest of three individuals connected to the theft of electric transformers, cables, and motorcycles. These items were reportedly stolen from several locations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kaduna, and Nasarawa states.
“The intelligence we gathered pointed to an illegal assembly of stolen transformers in the Kubwa and Bwari axes of the FCT,” Igweh stated. “Our detectives responded swiftly, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of several stolen transformers.”
According to preliminary investigations, the suspects had been involved in smuggling the stolen transformers for resale, with most of the items being brought in late at night. However, during questioning, the suspects revealed that only three of the recovered transformers were genuinely brought to them for repairs.
“This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between the public and law enforcement to protect critical infrastructure from theft and vandalism,” Igweh emphasized. “We urge residents whose transformers have been stolen to come forward with proof of ownership so we can facilitate the recovery of their property.”
These recent arrests come as a welcome relief to the residents of Benue and other affected areas, who have long lived in fear of violent crimes. The police, however, warn that much work remains to be done to dismantle the criminal networks operating in the region.
The investigation into the Benue kidnappings is ongoing, and the police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to bring the remaining criminals to justice.
“We are making progress, and we will not rest until every individual involved in these heinous crimes is apprehended and prosecuted,” AIG Igweh said firmly.
The case has drawn widespread public attention, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the rising incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The police, however, are optimistic that this latest arrest will lead to a greater understanding of the operations of such criminal syndicates and help prevent future kidnappings.
As the search for the remaining suspects continues, the police have assured the public that efforts are being intensified to ensure the safety of students, travelers, and citizens in general. Authorities are also calling for increased cooperation with local communities to help curb the tide of criminal activities that have plagued parts of the country.
“We must work together as a society to tackle these challenges. The fight against crime requires everyone’s effort, and we will not stop until we rid our communities of these criminals,” AIG Igweh concluded.
