Police in Benue State say they have arrested a 20-year-old man suspected of supplying ammunition to armed bandits after recovering 115 rounds of live ammunition during a stop-and-search operation in Guma Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Joro Jarkata from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was arrested by operatives attached to the Guma Police Division, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondona.
Police said the operation began when officers intercepted two men travelling on a motorcycle.
“Upon sighting the police, one of the occupants alighted from the motorcycle and fled into a nearby bush,” Mr Aondona said.
“The remaining suspect, identified as Joro Jarkata, a 20-year-old male from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was apprehended.”
He added that a search of the suspect led to the recovery of 115 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his possession.
The police spokesperson said the suspect remains in custody, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further investigation.
According to the statement, detectives are working to arrest the fleeing suspect and determine the source of the ammunition, its intended destination and the circumstances surrounding its movement.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the officers involved in the operation, describing their actions as a demonstration of vigilance and professionalism.
“The prompt action of the operatives led to the successful recovery of the ammunition,” the statement quoted the commissioner as saying.
Mr Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition, as well as dismantling criminal networks operating in the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.
