The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested nine suspects and recovered 38 firearms, 4,264 rounds of live ammunition, and a stolen vehicle in a series of operations aimed at dismantling arms trafficking networks and impersonation rings.
Shetima Mohammed Jauro, the Commissioner of Police in the state made the disclosure during a press briefing on Tuesday in Lafia the Nasarawa state capital.
He said major breakthrough occurred on September 7 when police operatives, acting on intelligence, intercepted suspected gun runners in a forest near Kadarko, Keana Local Government Area.
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Led personally by the CP himself, the operation forced the suspects to flee, abandoning a large cache of weapons, including four AK-49 rifles, three AK-47s, one G3 rifle, a sub-machine gun, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
The CP added that in a related incident on September 6, one John Paul, a suspected gun runner from Abuja, was arrested at Akwanga-Wamba Motor Park while en route to the Federal Capital Territory where search of his belongings revealed five locally fabricated rifles.
He said he has made useful statements and efforts are ongoing to arrest his accomplices.
“On August 31, operatives attached to the ‘E’ Division in Shabu uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing ring in Lafia. Two notorious manufacturers, James Philip and Alpha Philip, were arrested, leading to the apprehension of four known distributors. Recovered items included 24 fabricated guns, gun-making equipment, police uniforms, swords, and charms.
“The police also intercepted a stolen Peugeot 508 vehicle on September 7 in Lafia during a patrol by the Anti-Cultism Unit. The three occupants, who falsely claimed to be soldiers, were arrested after failing to provide identification. Military clothing and gear were recovered from the vehicle, and investigations are ongoing”; the CP said.
According to the CP, a total of seven suspects were arrested in connection with illegal firearms, while two were nabbed for impersonation and possession of a suspected stolen vehicle. In total, he said 4,264 rounds of live ammunition were recovered across the operations.
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Commending the efforts of his officers, CP Jauro reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He also called on the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to aid in the fight against crime in the state.
