The Benue State Police Command has successfully dismantled an alleged arms-producing and marketing syndicate operating in the Adikpo-Vandeikya Local Government Area of the state, News About Nigeria reports.
The crackdown, which also targeted suspected armed robbers and ritualists in Makurdi, the state capital, resulted in the arrest of 20 suspects, according to a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene.
The arrests were made following credible intelligence received about the activities of arms dealers along the Adikpo-Vandeikya road. Police detectives were swiftly deployed to the area, leading to the apprehension of Fater Terkula and Jem Demesugh on November 15.
A subsequent search of their hideout yielded six locally fabricated Beretta pistols and a motorcycle.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Ternenge Kpamngu, Terkula Ihyungwa (also known as Japan), Aondo Kusugh, Chukwudi Udeh, and nine others.
Additional exhibits recovered from the suspects included another locally made Beretta pistol, two gas cylinders, one welding cylinder, two welding nozzles, and a Sienna bus.
The suspects confessed to engaging in the production and sale of arms, as well as training teenagers in arms manufacturing. Teenagers under the age of 13 were reportedly arrested at the training ground.
In another incident, robbery suspects were apprehended on November 23, 2023, following information received at ‘E’ Division Makurdi about a robbery involving Mr. Misaq Eke.
Ushahemba Ayoough and Jeremiah Ugborgo were arrested in connection with the case, and a locally fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered from them.
The suspects confessed to committing the robbery with two other accomplices who are still at large.
Furthermore, a suspected ritualist, Godspower Oghenerumu, was arrested on November 21 during a routine police patrol along Barracks Road in Makurdi.
It was reported that Godspower, his pregnant wife, and five others had arrived from Delta State to carry out ritual activities.
The investigation revealed that the group had engaged in unsuccessful rituals in Delta State and moved to Benue on the belief that further directives on money-making rituals would be provided.
The Benue State Police Command stated that investigations into these cases are ongoing.
