By Ter Atii
National News
The Benue State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man suspected of supplying ammunition to armed bandits during a stop-and-search operation in Guma Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondona, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Makurdi, stating that the suspect, identified as Joro Jarkata, was apprehended by operatives of the Guma Police Division on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
According to the police spokesperson, officers were conducting a routine stop-and-search operation when they intercepted two men travelling on a motorcycle. On sighting the security operatives, one of the occupants reportedly jumped off the motorcycle and escaped into a nearby bush, while the second suspect was arrested.
Aondona said the arrested suspect, a native of Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was searched and found in possession of 115 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition concealed on him.
He explained that the suspect has been taken into custody, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further investigation.
The police spokesperson added that efforts are underway to arrest the fleeing accomplice and determine the source of the ammunition, its intended destination, and the circumstances surrounding its transportation.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised their vigilance and professionalism, describing the recovery as a significant step in the fight against criminality.
The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition, as well as dismantling criminal networks threatening peace and security across the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the nearest police station to support ongoing security efforts.
