Police arrest suspect, recover 117 rounds of live ammunition
Benue State Police Arrest Suspect, Seize Ammunition
The Benue State Police Command has apprehended a suspected criminal and confiscated 117 rounds of live ammunition in Ukum Local Government Area.
In a statement released Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet reported that the arrest followed actionable intelligence regarding the movement of a male suspect identified as Saamoga, also known as Aleki. Authorities allege the suspect was transporting live ammunition from Gbagir to Zaki-Biam on a commercial motorcycle.
Police operatives were quickly deployed to the Tse Dubem area of Ukum LGA to conduct a stop-and-search operation. The statement noted that upon seeing the security personnel, the suspect dismounted from the motorcycle and attempted to flee. He was ultimately subdued after being shot in the leg and was taken into custody.
During a search, operatives discovered 117 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition hidden in socks within the suspect’s handbag, along with other items, including charms and a mobile phone. Preliminary investigations indicated the suspect allegedly confessed that the ammunition was intended for Taraba State.
The suspect was transported to the General Hospital in Zaki-Biam for medical treatment but reportedly died while receiving care.
In a separate incident, the police reported an attack on the Edikwu Icho community in Apa Local Government Area by suspected armed herdsmen on February 6, 2026. Officers from the Rapid Response Squad successfully repelled the assault, restoring peace to the area.
Additionally, police confirmed that reconstruction work on the bridge connecting Ugbokpo, Idogbu, Ochumeku, and Ikobi—previously damaged by suspected herdsmen—has commenced. The project is being carried out under strict security measures to ensure the safety of construction workers and local residents.
The command expressed gratitude for the cooperation of various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the Civil Protection Guard, emphasizing that effective inter-agency collaboration has been crucial to maintaining peace and security in the region.
Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the officers involved in the operations for their swift response and professionalism. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-led policing and urged community members to remain calm and continue providing credible information to support ongoing security efforts.
