FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime, including the arrest of suspected gun runners, dismantling of illegal firearm manufacturing factories, neutralisation of armed bandits and the recovery of several weapons across the state.
Addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi on Friday, Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the successes were achieved through intelligence-led operations and sustained tactical deployments aimed at improving security in the state. He commended the inspector general of Olatunji Rilwan Disu and the State Governor Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iornem Alia for the support they have provided for the command. He said that the command received Gun Boats and Vehicle for the fight against crime
The Police Commissioner disclosed that operatives attached to Guma Division on July 28 arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Joro Jakata, from Awe in Nasarawa State, after intercepting him with 115 rounds of live 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition during a stop-and-search operation. His accomplice escaped into a nearby bush, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
CP Nwadiogbu further revealed that operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit raided two illegal firearm manufacturing factories in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area, where two suspects were arrested. The operation led to the recovery of two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, five locally made English pistols and firearm manufacturing tools.
On the recent attack on Efeyi Ogboju community in Otukpo Local Government Area, the Police Commissioner condemned the killing of 13 persons by suspected bandits, believed to have attacked the community during a cattle-rustling operation. He said tactical operatives later engaged the attackers in a gun battle, neutralising two suspected bandits and recovering one AK-47 rifle with 15 rounds of live ammunition, while efforts continue to arrest the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen cattle.
The Commissioner also announced the dismantling of a notorious armed robbery gang operating in Buruku Local Government Area. Six suspects were arrested during coordinated operations, leading to the recovery of one K2 rifle and a cutlass believed to have been used in criminal activities. The gang is linked to several violent crimes, including the murder of a trader in Buruku in December 2025.
He said the Command also arrested several suspects involved in cattle rustling, culpable homicide, child trafficking, fraud and a staged kidnapping plot, adding that investigations were ongoing while those found culpable would be prosecuted.
Summarising the Command’s achievements, CP Nwadiogbu said the Police recovered three AK-47 rifles, one K2 rifle, six locally fabricated English pistols, one double-barrel gun, 130 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, three live cartridges, one knife and one machete.
The Commissioner reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to support efforts at combating crime in the state.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
