Police Arrest 20-Year-Old Suspected Bandits' Arms Supplier in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old suspect, identified as Joro Jarkata, for allegedly supplying ammunition to bandits operating in parts of the state. The arrest followed a stop-and-search operation conducted by operatives of the Guma Division as part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and improve security in Benue.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondona, officers intercepted two men travelling on a motorcycle during the operation. Upon sighting the police, one of the occupants reportedly fled into a nearby bush, while Jarkata was apprehended at the scene. A search allegedly uncovered 115 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his possession.

Police said the suspect, who is from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, is currently in custody, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further investigation. Detectives are working to determine the source of the ammunition, its intended destination and the criminal network behind the operation.

The command added that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle the wider syndicate allegedly involved in the illegal movement of arms and ammunition. Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu commended the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and professionalism, describing the arrest as a significant step in the fight against violent crime in the state.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition across Benue, urging residents to continue providing credible information that will assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending criminal elements.