The Nasarawa State Police Command has announced major security breakthroughs, with the arrest of nine suspects linked to gun running, arms manufacturing, and impersonation of security personnel.
The operations also led to the recovery of 38 firearms, 4,264 rounds of live ammunition, and a stolen vehicle.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed Jauro, disclosed the details during a press briefing at the State Command Headquarters in Lafia on Tuesday.
The commissioner described the operations as “clear demonstrations of the Command’s renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state.”
He stated that the most significant breakthrough occurred on September 7 when operatives stormed a forest in Keana LGA, where suspected gun runners from Benue State were offloading arms.
He said that the suspects fled, abandoning their cargo.
The statement added that recovered items included four AK-49 rifles, three AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifle, a submachine gun, 11 magazines, and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition, along with cartridges of various calibers.
The police also intercepted a suspected arms courier, John Paul, at the Akwanga-Wamba Motor Park with five locally fabricated rifles hidden in his luggage, adding that investigations are ongoing to trace his suppliers and buyers.
In another operation, two brothers, James Philip and Alpha Philip, were arrested in Lafia for illegally manufacturing firearms.
Police said four of their buyers were later tracked down. Items recovered from the syndicate included 23 locally fabricated guns, a revolver, three swords, police uniforms, charms, and three gun-making machines.
Jauro also stated that on September 7, anti-cultism operatives intercepted a black Peugeot 508 being driven around Lafia.
The occupants, aged between 23 and 25, claimed to be soldiers but had no valid identification.
Items recovered from the vehicle included military clothing and accessories. Police confirmed the car was suspected to have been stolen.
In total, the operations led to the arrest of seven suspected gun runners and manufacturers and two suspects for impersonation and vehicle theft, bringing the number of arrests to nine.
“These arrests and recoveries reflect our determination to rid Nasarawa State of criminal elements. We will not relent until our communities are safe.” CP Jauro stated.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that “the fight against crime is a collective responsibility.”