Crime Crackdown: Police Intercept Arms Suspect in Benue, Recover Live Bullets

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime following the arrest of a suspected arms supplier and the recovery of 115 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition during a stop-and-search operation in Guma Local Government Area.
The Command, in a statement signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, said the operation was carried out by officers of the Guma Division on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
According to the statement, the police operatives intercepted two men travelling on a motorcycle during a routine stop-and-search exercise. One of the suspects reportedly fled into a nearby bush after sighting the police, while the other was arrested.
The arrested suspect was identified as 20-year-old Joro Jakata, a native of Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Police said a search conducted on him led to the discovery of 115 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition allegedly concealed in his possession.
The Command disclosed that the suspect remains in custody, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further investigation.
It added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and uncover the source and intended destination of the recovered ammunition.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism, describing the arrest as a significant achievement in the Command’s efforts to curb the spread of illegal arms and ammunition.
He also urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines, assuring that all credible information provided by the public would be treated with confidentiality and acted upon promptly.