By Paul Aondoakaa 

The Benue State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two men over alleged involvement in a job racketeering syndicate operating in Makurdi.

The command said the suspects were apprehended during an operation on April 30, 2026, following intelligence reports about a staged data capturing exercise allegedly organised to defraud unsuspecting job applicants.

The Benue State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to a job racketeering operation in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

According to a statement issued by the Command Public Relations Officer, SC EA Michael, the suspects were arrested on April 30, 2026, at about 4:05 p.m. during what the command described as a coordinated operation based on credible intelligence.

The suspects were identified as Okpara Michael Abah, 42, and Ade John Ogbu, 37.

Speaking while parading the suspects on behalf of the State Commandant, Commandant Bitrus Alice Larai, the NSCDC spokesperson said the suspects allegedly attempted to conduct a fake data capturing exercise for unsuspecting applicants seeking employment opportunities.

The command disclosed that preliminary investigations reportedly showed that one of the principal suspects, Okpara Michael Abah, allegedly collected a total of ₦1,178,500 from several applicants.

Further investigations, according to the NSCDC, also revealed that an additional ₦116,500 was allegedly collected from applicants for the procurement of uniforms and other related items.

Items reportedly recovered from the suspects include copies of application forms, passport photographs of applicants and a still camera.

Commandant Bitrus Alice Larai cautioned members of the public to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudulent recruitment schemes, stressing that the Federal Ministry of Interior follows established procedures for job placement and appointments.

She urged job seekers to verify recruitment information through official government channels before making payments or submitting personal details.

The command stated that the suspects would be handed over for prosecution upon completion of investigations.

The NSCDC has in recent years intensified efforts against employment-related fraud and other forms of criminal activities targeting vulnerable Nigerians, particularly unemployed youths seeking government jobs.