Plateau Police Arrest 32 Suspects, Recover 10 Rifles and 54 Rounds of Ammunition

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested 32 suspects in connection with various offences, including alleged kidnapping and human trafficking, while recovering 10 rifles and 54 rounds of live ammunition during operations across the state.

The State Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Jos on the security operations conducted since he assumed office about two months ago.

Faniyan said his administration had focused on intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, professional conduct and zero tolerance for corruption among police personnel.

He attributed the reported successes to the efforts of officers and men of the command, as well as information supplied by members of the public. The CP also appealed for continued cooperation between the police, media and communities.

Giving details of some operations, Faniyan said police arrested 24-year-old John Oba Agbanu in Zaramaganda forest, Jos South LGA, on August 7. A locally fabricated Beretta pistol, two rounds of 9mm ammunition and two daggers were reportedly recovered from him.

On August 13, detectives arrested 23-year-old Peter Pius of Jebbu Bassa at a hotel in Bassa LGA, recovering a locally fabricated pistol and other items. On August 31, operatives from Bashar Division also arrested Buba Abdulkarim of Wase LGA and recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

The Commissioner said the command also recovered firearms during operations in which no arrests were made. He said suspected bandits fled after operatives of 81 PMF, Bassa, engaged them at Kafi Abu in Barkin Ladi LGA on August 28, leaving behind a GPMG and an AK-47 rifle. A tactical team also recovered a locally made rifle and nine rounds of ammunition from an area occupied by suspected illegal miners on August 31.

Faniyan further disclosed that the command arrested suspects over alleged sexual offences, including a 22-year-old man in Bokkos LGA over an alleged rape case, a 35-year-old man over alleged defilement of an 11-year-old minor, and a 40-year-old school proprietor over alleged defilement of a nine-year-old pupil. The victims were taken to hospital for medical examination, according to the police.

The CP also reported the arrest of four suspects during a September 1 raid in Angwan Rogo, Jos, over alleged possession of substances suspected to be cannabis and other illicit drugs. He said investigations were continuing, including efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects, and that those found culpable would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.

Faniyan assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security agencies and communities. He urged residents to remain vigilant, obey the law and provide the police with timely and credible information.