The Nasarawa State Police Command has dealt a devastating blow to criminal networks after intercepting a massive cache of arms and ammunition in Keana Local Government Area, near the Benue State border.
Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro, who personally led the high-risk operation, disclosed this at the Command’s headquarters in Lafia during a press briefing.
He said the breakthrough followed credible intelligence reports that armed syndicates were attempting to move dangerous weapons across the border.
“On sighting our operatives, the suspects abandoned their luggage and bolted into the forest. A swift search of the area led to the recovery of four AK-49 rifles, three AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one sub-machine gun, 11 magazines, 4,046 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and 75 cartridges,” Jauro stated.
The police chief further revealed that sustained operations across the state within the past week had crushed several other gun-running cells. Nine suspects were arrested, while 38 firearms, 4,264 rounds of live ammunition, and a vehicle used for transportation were recovered.
In Akwanga Local Government Area, two suspects were picked up at a motor park, with one found in possession of five locally fabricated rifles. According to Jauro, the suspects are already cooperating with investigators.
The command also smashed a firearms fabrication ring in Lafia, where two suspects were arrested for allegedly producing and distributing illegal weapons. Items seized from the illicit workshop included 13 single and double-barrel guns, 10 revolvers, three swords, charms, three police uniforms, a face cap, and various tools used for gun production.
Jauro assured that the Police Command remains relentless in dismantling criminal networks across the state, stressing that the crackdown will continue until Nasarawa is free of gunrunners, kidnappers, and bandits.
Source: X | PoliceNG
