By Umar Muhammed, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested nine suspects and recovered 4,264 rounds of ammunition in a series of operations across the state’s 13 local government areas.
Commissioner of Police Shetima Mohammed announced the breakthrough at a press briefing in Lafia, revealing that on September 7, operatives intercepted suspected gun runners in Keana LGA.
“Based on credible intelligence, we stormed a forest near Kadarko where the suspects, believed to be from Benue State, were offloading arms. On sighting the police, they abandoned their luggage and fled,” Mohammed said.
Recovered items include four AK-49 rifles, three AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, a submachine gun, 11 magazines, 4,046 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 11 rounds of 5.5mm ammunition, 132 rounds of 38mm ammunition, and 75 cartridges.
On September 6, another suspect, John Paul, was arrested along the Akwanga-Wamba axis with five locally fabricated rifles. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices.
Earlier on August 31, operatives in Shabu, Lafia, arrested two gun manufacturers, James and Alpha Philip. Further investigations led to the arrest of four arms distributors and the recovery of 13 long-range guns, 10 short guns, a revolver, swords, police uniforms, gun-making machines, and charms.
Commending his officers, CP Mohammed reassured residents of the command’s resolve to combat violent crime. He urged the public to remain vigilant and share timely information with security agencies.