Police arrest alleged bandits’ ammunition supplier in Benue

A stop-and-search operation by the Benue State Police Command has led to the arrest of a 20-year-old man allegedly involved in supplying ammunition to bandits operating in the state.

The suspect, Joro Jarkata, was apprehended by operatives of the Guma Division after officers intercepted a motorcycle carrying two occupants during a routine security operation in Guma Local Government Area.

In a statement issued in Makurdi on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondona, said the arrest was made following a proactive operation carried out on Tuesday, July 28.

According to him, the second occupant of the motorcycle escaped after noticing the presence of police officers.

“Upon sighting the police, one of the occupants alighted from the motorcycle and fled into a nearby bush.

“The remaining suspect, identified as Joro Jarkata, a 20-year-ol male from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was apprehended.

“A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one hundred and fifteen (115) rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his possession,” the statement read in part.

Police said the suspect is currently in custody while the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for further investigation.

The command said investigators are working to trace the origin of the ammunition, determine where it was being taken and establish the full circumstances surrounding the movement of the consignment. Efforts are also underway to arrest the fleeing suspect.

Aondona stated that the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and swift response, which led to the seizure of the ammunition.

He added that the police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s determination to tackle the spread of illegal arms and dismantle criminal groups threatening peace and security in Benue State.

The command also urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.