The Nigeria Police Force has made significant breakthroughs in its ongoing operations to dismantle armed networks responsible for a series of deadly attacks in Benue State and other parts of the North-Central region.
In a press release issued today, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that several high-profile arms dealers and bandit collaborators have been arrested, while a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition has been recovered.
According to the statement, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), acting on credible intelligence, launched a coordinated offensive targeting key suspects linked to the Yelwata killings and broader arms supply chains in the region.
On June 21, 2025, police operatives stormed a forest hideout at the boundary between Kardako in Nasarawa State and Yelwata in Benue State. The operation led to a fierce gun battle, forcing the bandits to flee with gunshot injuries. Two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) were recovered at the scene.
A follow-up operation on July 8 led to the arrest of 25-year-old Abubakar Isah along the Lafia–Makurdi expressway. He was found with three AK-47 rifles and 1,002 rounds of live ammunition. Investigations revealed the arms were supplied by a notorious dealer, Jacob Adikwu, from Abinsi in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The weapons were reportedly destined for Dan Hassan, a wanted bandit kingpin involved in violent attacks across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara States.
On July 12, operatives arrested one Ibrahim, also known as “Chelsea,” who admitted to transferring ₦6.5 million to Adikwu. Of this sum, ₦6 million was for the purchase of two AK-47 rifles and 2,000 rounds of ammunition, while ₦500,000 was intended for modifying a Volkswagen vehicle to conceal the arms for delivery to Kwara State.
The breakthrough came on July 16, when police apprehended Jacob Adikwu in Abinsi town, recovering three AK-47 rifles, 220 rounds of ammunition, and a Volkswagen vehicle from his base. Further investigation the next day led to the discovery of an additional five AK-47 rifles, one rocket launcher, and 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the operatives for their professionalism and courage. He stressed that the Force will continue to hunt down individuals and groups responsible for fueling violence across the country.
“There will be no hiding place for those who profit from the bloodshed of innocent Nigerians,” the IGP said. He also reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to restoring peace and order, in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The suspects currently in custody will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend remaining fugitives, including Dan Hassan.
The Nigeria Police has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.
