…Recover 2 GPMGs, 12 AK-47s, 2,222 rounds of ammo
The Nigerian Police Force has recorded another breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the deadly attacks by bandits in Benue State.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday pconfirmed the developments, assuring the public that the police remain resolute in dismantling criminal networks fueling violence in the region.
The new development was in a statement announcing the arrest of additional suspects linked to arms trafficking and the recovery of a cache of weapons, including two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 12 AK47 rifles, and 2,222 rounds of live ammunition. T
The arrests follow a series of tactical operations by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), who have been working to dismantle networks supplying arms to violent groups terrorising communities in Benue and neighbouring states.
On 21st June 2025, police operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed a bandit hideout in a forest along the boundary of Kardako, Nasarawa State, and Yelwata in Benue State. A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the bandits to flee with gunshot injuries. Two GPMGs were recovered from the hideout during the operation.
In another operation on 8th July 2025, FID-IRT operatives intercepted one Abubakar Isah, 25, along the Lafia-Makurdi Expressway in Benue State. He was found in possession of three AK47 rifles and 1,002 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Intelligence reports indicated that the arms were being transported for distribution to bandit groups operating in Benue State. Further investigations revealed that the weapons were supplied by a notorious arms dealer, Jacob Adikwu, based in Abinsi, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The consignment was reportedly meant for Dan Hassan, a bandit leader responsible for orchestrating deadly attacks across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara States.
A related operation on 12th July 2025 led to the arrest of one Ibrahim, alias “Chelsea,” who confessed to sending N6.5 million to Jacob Adikwu. According to police reports, N6 million was payment for two AK47 rifles and 2,000 rounds of ammunition, while an additional N500,000 was meant for modifying a Volkswagen vehicle to conceal the weapons for transport to Kwara State.
A follow-up raid on 16th July 2025 in Abinsi resulted in the arrest of Jacob Adikwu. Police recovered three AK47 rifles, 220 rounds of ammunition, and a Volkswagen car from his hideout. A subsequent search on 17th July yielded five more AK47 rifles, a rocket launcher, and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their efforts, stating, “There will be no hiding place for those who profit from the bloodshed of innocent Nigerians.”
He reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Benue and other affected states, in line with the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Dan Hassan and other suspects still at large. Those already in custody will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
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