A special task force on illegal levies and related crimes has arrested three individuals attempting to extort a borehole drilling team in Nyoogyungu, a suburb of Makurdi metropolis in Benue State.

The suspects, identified as Anyakpa Aondoaver, Sende Stephen, and Akaahan Terna, were caught on CCTV demanding N350,000 as a ‘marching ground’ fee from the drilling operators.

The suspects’ activities captured by surveillance cameras led to a swift response from the task force after a distress call.

The suspects have been handed over to the police area command in Makurdi for further investigation and prosecution.

Parading the suspects earlier, Gbenda Terver, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Youth Organisation and Illegal Levies, condemned the extortion practices and warned youth involved in such activities to desist or be ready to face the law.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating criminal levies and urged residents to report suspicious activities by calling the task force.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, however said she was yet to receive reports of the incident.