Newz…neutralise two bandits, arrest gun runner By Peter Duru, Makurdi The Benue State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime, arresting suspected gun runners, dismantling illegal firearm manufacturing factories, foiling a fake kidnapping plot and recovering a cache of weapons and ammunition across the state. Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this Friday at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi, saying the successes underscored the Command’s commitment to denying criminals safe haven in Benue. According to the Commissioner, of the major breakthroughs came on July 28 when operatives attached to Guma Division intercepted two men during a routine stop-and-search operation.
While one suspect fled into a nearby bush, the other, identified as 20-year-old Joro Jakata from Awe, Nasarawa State, was arrested with 115 rounds of live 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition. The motorcycle conveying the suspects was impounded, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplice. In another intelligence-led operation, police operatives raided two illegal firearm manufacturing factories in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area, on July 29.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, five locally made English pistols, as well as several firearm manufacturing tools and accessories. Addressing the recent deadly attack on Efeyi Ugboju Community in Otukpo LGA, Nwadiogbu said preliminary investigations revealed that armed bandits invaded the community in a cattle rustling operation, making away with about 20 cattle before opening fire on fleeing residents, killing 13 persons. The Police Commissioner said he personally visited the affected community for an on-the-spot assessment and subsequently ordered a tactical operation to track down the perpetrators.
He said, “During the operation, our operatives came under ambush from a gang of bandits suspected to be part of the group that attacked the community, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. The operatives responded professionally and successfully neutralised two suspected bandits. One AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, while other members of the gang escaped with suspected gunshot injuries.” Nwadiogbu assured residents that investigations were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and recover the sto…
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