The Gombe State Police Command has apprehended a 27-year-old man, Joseph Babari, who was reportedly hired to engage in violent activities in Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, revealed that Babari was arrested late Wednesday night around 11:30 p.m. by a patrol team from the Pero-Chonge Division in Shongom Local Government Area.
The arrest occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation near the Gombe-Taraba border.
According to police findings, Babari admitted to being hired by an individual identified only as Isah to participate in conflict-related activities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He said he was paid ₦180,000 for the two-month assignment and was on his way back home when he was intercepted.
The police spokesperson noted that Babari was found with a locally made automatic rifle, eight live rounds of ammunition, a black tactical vest, and some traditional charms.
“Initial questioning revealed that the suspect was traveling from Maikatako in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State and was heading to Karim Lamido in Taraba State,” Abdullahi said. “Further investigation confirmed that he had been recruited as a combatant and paid ₦180,000 to operate in the area.”
The suspect is currently in custody while the police continue their investigation to trace the origin of the weapon and identify other individuals involved.
DSP Abdullahi assured the public that the police remain committed to preserving peace in the state and clamping down on the circulation of illegal firearms.
He also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies promptly.