Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have intercepted 115 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition and arrested a suspected supplier of arms to bandits in Guma Local Government Area.
- +How Benue Police foiled arms supply to bandits, raided 2 illegal gun factories
Orchia Peter, the State Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement, also disclosed that operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, acting on credible intelligence, raided two illegal firearm manufacturing factories in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area.
Orchia Peter, the State Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement, also disclosed that operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, acting on credible intelligence, raided two illegal firearm manufacturing factories in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area.
He said, “During the operation, one suspect was arrested at the first location. Two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, along with firearm manufacturing tools and accessories, were recovered from the site.
“At the second location, another suspect was arrested and five locally fabricated English pistols were recovered.
The PPRO explained that the first arrest was made during a routine stop-and-search operation by officers of the Guma Division.
According to him, “the team intercepted two men on a motorcycle. On sighting the police, one of the occupants jumped down and escaped into a nearby bush.
The other suspect, identified as Joro Jakata, 20, from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was arrested. A search led to the recovery of 115 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition concealed on him.
“The suspect is in custody and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Makurdi for discreet investigation,” Orchia stated.
He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and to trace the source and intended destination of the ammunition.
The PPRO quoted the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, as commending the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and stopping the proliferation of illegal arms in the state.
CP Nwadiogbu also urged residents to report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency line, assuring that all credible information would be treated with confidentiality..
The Command said all suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
