Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Makurdi, Nigeria — The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspected criminal allegedly caught transporting a cache of live ammunition in Ukum Local Government Area, while also reporting the successful repulsion of an attack in Apa LGA and ongoing security operations across the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the command disclosed that the arrest followed credible intelligence regarding the movement of a male suspect identified as Saamoga, also known as Aleki. The suspect was reportedly conveying live ammunition from Gbagir to Zaki-Biam on a commercial motorcycle.
Acting on the information, a patrol team was mobilised and deployed to the Tse Dubem area of Ukum LGA, where officers initiated a stop-and-search operation. Police said that upon sighting the patrol team, the suspect disembarked from the motorcycle and attempted to flee. During the ensuing operation, officers immobilised him with a gunshot wound to the leg before taking him into custody.
A subsequent search allegedly led to the recovery of 117 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside socks within the suspect’s handbag. Police also reported recovering charms and a mobile phone from his possession.
According to the statement, preliminary investigation revealed that the ammunition was being transported to Taraba State. The suspect was later taken to the General Hospital in Zaki-Biam for medical attention but died while receiving treatment. Authorities have not indicated whether further investigations are ongoing to identify potential accomplices or networks linked to the ammunition movement.
The seizure of 7.62mm rounds, commonly used in assault rifles and other military-grade firearms, underscores ongoing concerns about the proliferation of illegal arms in parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Benue State has faced repeated security challenges in recent years, including clashes between armed groups, criminal gangs, and suspected herdsmen, often involving sophisticated weaponry.
In a separate development, the police command said it received a situation report on February 6, 2026, concerning an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Edikwu Icho in Apa Local Government Area. The attack was reportedly repelled through the intervention of operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS). Following the operation, the command stated that calm has been restored and the security situation in the area remains stable.
Benue State has been a flashpoint for violent incidents linked to disputes over land use, grazing routes, and broader criminal activities. Communities in Apa, Ukum and neighbouring local government areas have periodically reported attacks, displacement of residents, and destruction of infrastructure.
Police also confirmed that the bridge linking Ugbokpo, Idogbu, Ochumeku and Ikobi — earlier burnt by suspected herdsmen — is currently undergoing reconstruction. Authorities said the rebuilding process is being carried out under heavy security presence to safeguard construction personnel and ensure the safety of residents using the corridor. The restoration of the bridge is considered critical for mobility, trade and access to essential services in the affected communities.
The command acknowledged the support and collaboration of other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and Civil Protection Guard, as well as officials of the Benue State Government. Police authorities described the inter-agency cooperation as instrumental in maintaining stability and executing coordinated operations across vulnerable areas.
Commissioner of Police for Benue State, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, commended officers and personnel for what he described as prompt response and professionalism in handling the incidents. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-driven policing strategies aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
The police urged residents to remain calm and continue cooperating with law enforcement by providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and detection. Authorities emphasised that community engagement remains essential in confronting the security challenges facing the state.
While the immediate threat in the reported areas appears contained, the incidents highlight the persistent security pressures in Benue and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb illegal arms trafficking and violent attacks.
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