In a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the deadly attacks on communities in Benue State, police operatives intercept and dismantle a notorious arms supply syndicate arming bandits across the North-Central region.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team raid a forest hideout at the boundary of Kardako, Nasarawa State, and Yelwata, Benue State, engaging the bandits in a gun battle. The suspects flee with gunshot wounds, while operatives recover two GPMGs from the scene.
Further operations along the Lafia–Makurdi expressway lead to the arrest of 25-year-old Abubakar Isah, found with three AK-47 rifles and 1,002 rounds of live ammunition. Investigations reveal the arms were supplied by notorious dealer Jacob Adikwu from Abinsi, Guma LGA, and destined for Dan Hassan, a wanted bandit leader behind attacks across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara States. Another suspect, Ibrahim a.k.a. Chelsea, confesses to transferring ₦6.5 million to Adikwu for the weapons and a modified vehicle to conceal them during transport.
In a follow-up operation, operatives storm Abinsi and arrest Adikwu, recovering additional arms including three AK-47 rifles, a rocket launcher, and 1,220 rounds of live ammunition. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commends the operatives for their resilience and reiterates that those fueling violence will find no safe haven. He assures the public that efforts to apprehend remaining suspects and restore peace in Benue and beyond are ongoing, in line with President Tinubu’s directive.