ABUJA — In a significant development in the fight against armed banditry in North-Central Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a dangerous arms trafficking network supplying weapons to criminal gangs responsible for violent incidents in Benue State and surrounding areas.
According to Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, operatives from the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) carried out a series of operations between June 21 and July 17, 2025, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of sophisticated arms and ammunition in Benue and Nasarawa States.
**Intense Gun Battle at Yelwata Border**
On June 21, acting on credible intelligence, FID-IRT operatives raided a bandit hideout in a forest area straddling Kardako, Nasarawa State, and Yelwata in Benue State—an area associated with recent deadly attacks. The operation resulted in a fierce exchange of gunfire, leading to the bandits fleeing with injuries. Two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) were seized at the scene.
**Massive Ammunition Seized on Lafia–Makurdi Expressway**
In a separate operation on July 8, 2025, police apprehended 25-year-old Abubakar Isah on the Lafia–Makurdi expressway. He was found with three AK-47 rifles and 1,002 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Intelligence suggested that these weapons were intended for bandit groups operating in Benue State.
Further investigations linked the arms to notorious dealer Jacob Adikwu, based in Abinsi, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. These weapons were reportedly meant for delivery to Dan Hassan, a wanted bandit kingpin active across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara States.
**₦6.5 Million Arms Deal Uncovered**
On July 12, operatives arrested a suspect named Ibrahim, also known as Chelsea, who confessed to transferring ₦6.5 million to the same arms dealer. This payment was for two AK-47 rifles, 2,000 rounds of live ammunition, and a concealed vehicle compartment for transporting the weapons to Kwara State.
**Kingpin Apprehended, Rocket Launcher Recovered**
The police launched a follow-up operation in Abinsi town on July 16, successfully arresting Jacob Adikwu. From his hideout, three AK-47 rifles, 220 rounds of live ammunition, and a Volkswagen car were recovered.
An additional search on July 17 led to a shocking discovery: five more AK-47 rifles, a rocket launcher, and 1,000 rounds of live ammunition were retrieved from the dealer’s stockpile.
**IGP Praises Operatives, Vows Continued Crackdown**
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, praised the operatives for their “determination and professionalism,” insisting there will be no refuge for those supplying arms to criminals and profiting from violence.
He reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to restoring peace in Benue and other affected regions, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to eliminate insecurity and protect Nigerian lives.
“The Nigerian Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle all terrorist networks and hold offenders accountable,” stated the IGP.
Police report that efforts are ongoing to apprehend Dan Hassan and other fugitives linked to the arms network. Those already in custody will be prosecuted upon completion of investigations.