NSCDC Busts Job Scam Ring in Benue, Arrests Two Suspects Over ₦1.29m Recruitment Fraud

Security operatives in Benue State have dismantled a suspected job racketeering syndicate in Makurdi, arresting two men accused of defrauding job seekers under the guise of federal recruitment exercises.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) confirmed that the suspects were picked up during a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out on April 30, 2026, at about 4:05 p.m. in the state capital.

Those arrested were identified as 42-year-old Okpara Michael Abah and 37-year-old Ade John Ogbu, both allegedly involved in orchestrating a fake employment and data-capturing scheme targeting unsuspecting applicants.

According to the Command, the suspects posed as recruitment facilitators, collecting money from job seekers for non-existent federal job opportunities.

Investigators said preliminary findings showed that one of the suspects allegedly received ₦1,178,500 from multiple victims under the pretext of securing employment placements.

Authorities further revealed that an additional ₦116,500 was collected for uniforms and other recruitment-related materials, bringing the alleged total fraud to over ₦1.2 million.

Items recovered from the suspects reportedly include application forms, passport photographs belonging to applicants, and a still camera believed to have been used in the fraudulent data-capturing exercise.

The NSCDC said the operation was based on credible intelligence and aimed at curbing rising cases of recruitment scams targeting vulnerable job seekers in the state.

Command officials warned residents to be cautious, stressing that all legitimate recruitment into federal agencies follows verified and transparent procedures approved by the Ministry of Interior.

They urged applicants to confirm job offers through official government channels before making any form of payment or submitting personal data to individuals or private agents.

The Commandant of NSCDC in Benue State, Bitrus Alice Larai, said the suspects would face prosecution after investigations are concluded, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting citizens from fraudsters.

Authorities say the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle recruitment scams that continue to exploit the high unemployment rate across the country.