The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a major arms trafficking network believed to be behind the recent wave of violence in Benue State and other parts of the North-Central zone.
This follows a series of successful raids that led to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons, including a rocket launcher and over 2,000 live rounds of ammunition.
In a statement released by Force Headquarters on Wednesday, July 23, the police said operatives of the Force Intelligence Department, Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) carried out coordinated operations targeting armed groups linked to killings in Yelwata and surrounding communities.
On June 21, acting on credible intelligence, FID-IRT officers raided a criminal hideout on the border between Kardako in Nasarawa and Yelwata in Benue.
A gun battle ensued during the operation, prompting the suspects to escape with injuries.
Police said they recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) from the scene.
Further success came on July 8, when a routine stop-and-search along the Lafia–Makurdi expressway resulted in the arrest of a 25-year-old man, Abubakar Isah.
He was reportedly found in possession of three AK-47 rifles and 1,002 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
“Investigations have traced the origin of these weapons to one Jacob Adikwu, a well-known arms supplier based in Abinsi, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State,” the police disclosed.
“The arms were en route to a notorious warlord, Dan Hassan, who is suspected of leading violent raids across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara states.”
On July 12, another suspect identified simply as Ibrahim, also known as Chelsea, was arrested.
According to police, he admitted to paying ₦6.5 million to Adikwu, ₦6 million for two AK-47 rifles and 2,000 bullets, and ₦500,000 for modifying a Volkswagen vehicle to discreetly transport the weapons to Kwara State.
A follow-up sting operation led to the arrest of Adikwu on July 16 in Abinsi town. Recovered from him were three AK-47 rifles, 220 rounds of ammunition, and the customised Volkswagen vehicle.
The next day, July 17, further searches turned up five more AK-47s, a rocket launcher, and an additional 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
Force spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed that efforts are ongoing to capture Dan Hassan and dismantle the remaining elements of the group.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun commended the FID-IRT for their “courage and unwavering commitment,” stressing that criminals will not escape justice.
“There will be no hiding place for those who thrive on the suffering of innocent citizens,” he declared. “Our men will not rest until these areas are safe again.”
Egbetokun also reaffirmed the police’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to restore peace and security nationwide.
The arrested suspects are in custody and will face prosecution once investigations are concluded, the police assured.