Police Bust Major Arms Syndicate Behind Benue Killings, Recover Heavy Weapons and Ammunition

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested key suspects in a notorious arms trafficking syndicate and recovered a significant cache of weapons, including two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 12 AK-47 rifles, and 2,222 rounds of live ammunition, following massive killings in Yelwata community in Benue State.

The arrests followed a series of tactical operations by the Force Intelligence Department, Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), launched in response to the recent deadly attacks in Benue communities.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the first operation was carried out on June 21, 2025, in a forested area on the border of Kardako in Nasarawa State and Yelwata in Benue. Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives raided a bandits’ hideout, triggering a fierce gun battle. The suspects fled with gunshot wounds, but officers recovered two GPMGs at the scene.

Further breakthroughs came on July 8, when FID-IRT operatives intercepted one Abubakar Isah, 25, on the Lafia–Makurdi expressway. Isah was found in possession of three AK-47 rifles and 1,002 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Investigations revealed that the weapons were being transported on behalf of a known arms dealer, Jacob Adikwu, based in Abinsi, Guma LGA of Benue State. The arms were reportedly destined for Dan Hassan, a notorious bandit leader linked to attacks in Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara states.

On July 12, another suspect identified as Ibrahim, alias “Chelsea,” was apprehended. He allegedly confessed to transferring ₦6.5 million to Adikwu, ₦6 million as payment for two AK-47 rifles and 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and ₦500,000 to modify a Volkswagen vehicle with a hidden compartment for smuggling arms to Kwara State.

Similarly, on July 16, police operatives raided Adikwu’s hideout in Abinsi, arresting him and recovering three AK-47 rifles, 220 rounds of ammunition, and the modified Volkswagen car. A subsequent search the following day yielded another five AK-47 rifles, a rocket launcher, and 1,000 rounds of live ammunition.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, praised the officers for their bravery and effective intelligence work, vowing that no individual or group behind the bloodshed in Benue and other parts of the country will go unpunished. He reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to restoring peace, in line with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Dan Hassan and other fleeing suspects. Those already in custody will face prosecution after the investigations.