David Williams
The Nigeria Police Force has nabbed key suspects linked to the deadly attacks in Benue and other parts of North-Central Nigeria, recovering a large cache of weapons.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) made multiple breakthroughs in their ongoing investigation into the Yelwata killings and wider arms trafficking networks.
He continues, “On June 21, 2025, acting on intelligence, operatives raided a forest hideout at the Kardako-Yelwata boundary between Nasarawa and Benue States. A fierce exchange of gunfire forced the bandits to flee, sustaining gunshot wounds. Two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) were recovered from the location.
“In another operation on July 8, 2025, police intercepted a 25-year-old suspect, Abubakar Isah, along the Lafia–Makurdi expressway in possession of three AK-47 rifles and 1,002 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Investigations revealed the weapons were sourced from a known arms dealer, Jacob Adikwu, based in Abinsi, Guma LGA, Benue State. The consignment was reportedly meant for one Dan Hassan, a notorious bandit kingpin operating across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara States.
“Further breakthroughs came on July 12, 2025, when a suspect identified as Ibrahim alias “Chelsea” was arrested. He admitted sending N6.5 million to Adikwu — N6 million for two AK-47 rifles and 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and N500,000 for modifying a Volkswagen vehicle to conceal the weapons during transport to Kwara State.
“In a swift follow-up, police operatives arrested Adikwu in Abinsi on July 16 and recovered three AK-47 rifles, 220 rounds of ammunition, and the vehicle used for concealment. A subsequent search on July 17 led to the seizure of five more AK-47 rifles, a rocket launcher, and an additional 1,000 rounds of live ammunition.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Dan Hassan and other criminal elements terrorizing the region. Those in custody will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
“Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their commitment and resilience, reiterating that the Force will not relent in its duty to safeguard lives. He emphasized the Police’s determination to uphold national security in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive”.
