Troops of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have arrested 31 individuals suspected to be involved in cybercrime and ritual practices during a raid on a building in Benin City, Edo State.
According to The PUNCH, the operation, which took place on Monday, followed a tip-off and was led by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ebenezer Oduyebo.
The building, located within Awesome Garden in First Bank Estate along the Benin-Sapele Bypass in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, was identified as a hideout for suspected fraudsters.
According to military sources, the suspects had been operating from the facility for some time, with items such as a Toyota car, numerous smartphones, laptops, cash, and fetish materials recovered from the scene
“The success of this operation is a strong warning to criminal networks operating in the state. We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure the safety and security of law-abiding citizens,” Brigadier General Oduyebo said, commending his troops and other collaborating security agencies for their swift action.
Initial investigations suggest that the operation was coordinated by a man identified as Marvin Osabhuoyen, who is currently on the run.
He is alleged to have lured several young individuals from various parts of the country under the guise of offering them lucrative job opportunities abroad. Once at the location, the victims were reportedly held against their will and coerced into engaging in cybercrime, armed robbery, and other illicit activities.
Some victims are believed to have been held for up to two years, deprived of freedom and subjected to manipulation and fear tactics.
Confirming the arrests, the spokesperson for the 4 Brigade, Captain Chinoso Oteh, stated that the suspects have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security officials have vowed to intensify efforts to apprehend Osabhuoyen and dismantle the syndicate completely.
“This is just the beginning,” said Captain Oteh. “We will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that Edo State is not a safe haven for criminals.”
The Nigerian Army has assured residents of its ongoing commitment to rooting out crime and restoring peace in the region.
