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The Nigeria Police Force has successfully intercepted a notorious arms supply network linked to arming bandits in Benue and other North-Central regions, seizing a cache of weapons that includes a rocket launcher, numerous AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of live ammunition.
This achievement, resulting from a series of intelligence-driven operations by the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team, is part of ongoing investigations into recent violent incidents in Benue State.
According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, police operatives raided a forest hideout on June 21, 2025, located at the boundary of Kardako in Nasarawa State and Yelwata in Benue State, where bandits involved in the Yelwata killings were believed to be hiding.
A fierce exchange of gunfire occurred, causing the criminals to flee with gunshot wounds, while two General Purpose Machine Guns were seized at the site.
Further progress was made on July 8, 2025, when operatives apprehended a 25-year-old suspect, Abubakar Isah, on the Lafia–Makurdi expressway, who was found with three AK-47 rifles and 1,002 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Adejobi noted, “Following police investigations into the deadly attacks by bandits in Benue State, operatives have once again successfully disrupted and dismantled an arms supply syndicate supplying bandits in Benue and other North-Central states.
On June 21, 2025, FID-IRT operatives, acting on credible intelligence about certain bandits involved in the Yelwata killings, raided the bandits' hideout, leading to a fierce gunfight and causing the suspects to escape with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Two GPMGs were also recovered from their location.” On July 8, he stated that FID-IRT operatives, in a tactical operation along the Lafia–Makurdi expressway in Makurdi, Benue State, arrested Abubakar Isah, who was found with three AK-47 rifles and 1,002 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Related reports include Gombe motorcyclists claiming police extortion and a neighbor killing a photojournalist in Kogi.
“The arrest was based on actionable intelligence about an imminent movement of arms intended for distribution to bandit groups terrorizing various communities in Benue State.
Further inquiries revealed that the arms and ammunition were supplied by a notorious arms dealer, Jacob Adikwu, based in Abinsi, Guma Local Government area of Benue State, meant for delivery to Dan Hassan, a bandit leader notorious for planning deadly attacks on communities across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara states,” he added.
In a related operation on July 12, police detained a suspect named Ibrahim, also known as "Chelsea," who admitted to sending ₦6.5 million to Adikwu for the acquisition and concealment of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles and 2,000 rounds of ammunition.
This funding was also allocated for creating a concealed compartment in a Volkswagen vehicle for transporting the arms to Kwara State.
“In a speedy follow-up operation, the operatives raided Abinsi town and successfully arrested Jacob Adikwu on July 16, 2025, recovering three AK-47 rifles, 220 rounds of live ammunition, and a Volkswagen car from his hideout.
Subsequent investigations on July 17, 2025, led to the seizure of an additional five AK-47 rifles, one rocket launcher, and 1,000 rounds of live ammunition from the same arms dealer.
“Efforts are being heightened to ensure that Dan Hassan and other criminal elements responsible for terrorizing Benue State and other regions are held accountable, while those in custody will face trial upon the completion of investigations,” the statement added.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their “dedication” and assured that there will be no safe haven for criminals benefiting from violence.
He reaffirmed the Force's commitment to restoring peace and stability in Benue and other affected areas, following the directives of President Bola Tinubu.
