The Nasarawa State Police Command has reported significant advancements in security operations, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals connected to gun trafficking, arms manufacturing, and impersonating law enforcement officials.
These operations yielded the recovery of 38 firearms, 4,264 rounds of live ammunition, and a stolen vehicle.
During a press conference held at the State Command Headquarters in Lafia on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed Jauro, shared the details of these operations, highlighting the Command’s renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and security of local residents.
One of the most notable successes occurred on September 7, when police operatives raided a forest in Keana Local Government Area, where suspected gun runners from Benue State were in the process of offloading weapons. The suspects fled the scene, leaving behind their cargo.
Among the recovered items were four AK-49 rifles, three AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifle, a submachine gun, 11 magazines, and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition, including various calibers of cartridges.
In a separate operation, police apprehended a suspected arms courier named John Paul at the Akwanga-Wamba Motor Park, who was found with five locally manufactured rifles concealed in his luggage. Investigations are currently underway to identify his suppliers and potential buyers.
Additionally, two brothers, James Philip and Alpha Philip, were arrested in Lafia for the illegal manufacturing of firearms. Police later tracked down four of their buyers, recovering 23 locally made guns, a revolver, three swords, police uniforms, charms, and three gun-making machines from the operation.
CP Jauro also reported that on September 7, anti-cultism operatives intercepted a black Peugeot 508 in Lafia. The occupants, aged between 23 and 25, claimed to be soldiers but lacked valid identification. Items recovered from the vehicle included military attire and accessories, and the car is suspected to have been stolen.
Overall, these coordinated operations resulted in the arrest of seven individuals for gun running and manufacturing, as well as two for impersonation and vehicle theft, totaling nine arrests.
“These arrests and recoveries underscore our commitment to eradicating criminal activity in Nasarawa State. We will continue our efforts until our communities are secure,” stated CP Jauro.
