Police arrest suspected ammunition courier, recover 115 live rounds in Benue

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, on Friday.

According to the statement, the suspect was arrested during a routine patrol after police operatives intercepted two men travelling on a motorcycle.

The police said one of the suspects escaped into a nearby bush after noticing the approaching 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 said.

The command said the suspect is currently in custody, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi for further investigation.

Police said detectives are working to determine the source of the ammunition, its intended destination and identify other persons connected with the illegal movement of the consignment. Efforts are also ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the officers for their vigilance and swift response, which led to the recovery of the ammunition.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal arms and dismantling criminal networks operating in the state.

The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.