Benue Police Arrest 41 Suspected Criminals in Coordinated Wurukum and Wadata Operation

Following intelligence on criminal activities in Makurdi, the Benue State Police Command conducted a coordinated operation across known black spots in Wurukum and Wadata neighborhoods, resulting in the arrest of 41 suspected criminals.

The raid, covering Awe Street, Wurukum, and parts of Wadata, was part of ongoing efforts to rid the state capital of criminal elements, according to Police Public Relations Officer DSP Edet Udeme.

“A raid of black spots was organised at Awe Street, Wurukum and Wadata, where 41 suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing screening. Investigations are ongoing, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available,” Udeme said.

The operation was reportedly influenced by unsettling testimonies from residents, including a survivor who narrowly avoided an attempted kidnapping while returning home late in the evening. According to her account, after attending a religious program, she boarded a commercial motorcycle on the International Market–Wurukum axis at about 8:30 p.m.

The rider allegedly diverted from the planned route, claiming he needed to pick up a package near Awe Street. The survivor said she was then attacked by young men who tried to drag her into a nearby house and forcefully took her phone. She also reported seeing other young women inside the structure, some of whom were already restrained, suggesting a coordinated criminal enterprise.

While the police have not officially confirmed all details, sources stated that such reports contribute to intelligence-driven operations targeting criminal hotspots.

Residents have been reassured that patrols and surveillance have been intensified in flashpoints across Makurdi, particularly areas linked to kidnapping, robbery, and human trafficking. The Police Command emphasized its commitment to public safety and encouraged citizens to provide credible information to aid ongoing security efforts.