Three Nabbed as Police Recover AK-47s, Pistols in Benue

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to illegal firearms manufacturing and recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, five locally fabricated pistols, as well as tools and accessories used in the production of firearms during operations in Kwande Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Makurdi. He said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) acted on credible intelligence regarding the activities of an illegal arms manufacturing syndicate operating in Adikpo, Kwande LGA.
According to the Commissioner, on July 29, 2026, at about 1:20 a.m., VCRU operatives raided two suspected illegal firearms manufacturing sites in Adikpo. During the operation, two suspects were arrested. One locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, along with tools and accessories believed to have been used for firearms production, was recovered from the first suspect, while five locally fabricated English pistols were recovered from the second location. A third suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the illegal arms manufacturing activities.
CP Nwadiogbu further stated that following the arrests and ongoing investigation, operatives returned to the scene in the early hours of July 31, 2026, at about 5:20 a.m., where they recovered another locally fabricated AK-47 rifle from one of the suspects already in custody.
He said the latest recovery brings the total number of firearms seized during the operation to two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and five locally fabricated pistols, while three suspects have so far been arrested.
The Commissioner noted that the suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in the custody of the VCRU as investigations continue to determine the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and identify other individuals connected to the illegal arms manufacturing network.
CP Nwadiogbu commended the VCRU operatives for their sustained intelligence-led operations and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in the manufacture, distribution and proliferation of illegal firearms across the state.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that will assist the Police in identifying and apprehending persons involved in criminal activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Peter Aondongu, said further updates would be made available as investigations progress.