The Benue State Police Command has arrested a suspected ammunition courier and recovered 115 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition during a security operation in the state.
The command disclosed the development in a statement issued by its spokesperson, CSP Udeme Edet, noting that the arrest followed a routine patrol by operatives who intercepted two men riding a motorcycle.
According to the statement, one of the suspects managed to flee after spotting the approaching police officers.
“Upon sighting the police, one of the occupants alighted from the motorcycle and fled into a nearby bush.
“The remaining suspect, identified as Joro Jarkata, a 20-year-old male from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was apprehended.
“A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one hundred and fifteen (115) rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his possession,” the statement read in part.
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The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers for their alertness and prompt action, which resulted in the successful interception and seizure of the ammunition.
The police commissioner also reiterated the command’s commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal arms and dismantling criminal networks threatening the safety of residents across Benue State.
The command further appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.
The police said the suspect remains in custody while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for a detailed investigation.
According to the command, detectives are working to determine the source of the recovered ammunition, identify its intended destination and uncover those connected to the illegal movement of the consignment. Efforts are also ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
