Police arrest 20-year-old bandits’ arms supplier in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old suspected bandits’ arms supplier, identified as Joro Jarkata, in Guma Local Government Area of the state.

The state command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondona, stated this in a statement issued and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Friday.

According to Aondona, the arrest followed a proactive operation by operatives of the Guma Division on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

He said a team of police officers was conducting a stop-and-search operation when they intercepted two persons riding on a motorcycle.

“Upon sighting the police, one of the occupants alighted from the motorcycle and fled into a nearby bush.

“The remaining suspect, identified as Joro Jarkata, a 20-year-ol male from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was apprehended.

“A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one hundred and fifteen (115) rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his possession,” the statement read in part.

The PPRO added that the suspect is in police custody, while the case ha been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Makurdi, for discreet investigation.

He stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and unravel the source, intended destination, and circumstances surrounding the conveyance of the ammunition.

Aondona said the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, had commended the vigilance, professionalism, and alertness of the operatives whose prompt action led to the recovery.

The CP, however, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition and dismantling criminal networks threatening the peace and security of Benue State.

The PPRO added that the Commissioner of Police had also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police formation.