Police operatives have arrested three gunrunners who supplied arms and ammunition to the bandits that perpetrated the massacre in Plateau state on Christmas Eve.
Nigeriacrime.com learned that the arrest was achieved following the launch of a Special Operation by the Police in Plateau State by the Inspector General of Police, in the wake of the Christmas Eve massacre in Bakin Ladi and other LGAs,
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiw Adejobi said “The arrest of the three (3) suspects who are members of a gunrunning syndicate in connection with the Christmas Eve attack on some villages in Plateau State” was carried out by the additional deployment of assets of the NPF ordered by the IGP.
Recalling that the AIG in charge of Zone 4 has since relocated to Plateau state as directed by the IGP, he said they are currently in police custody and assisting with the investigation.
“The suspects are Ahmed Sulaimon Balikisu Aliyu Aboki Samuel. Upon their arrest, 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 AK-49 rifle, 1000 rounds of live ammunition and 5 magazines were recovered from them”
Meanwhile, the FPRO said Police operatives of the Intelligence Response Team and Special Tactical Squad deployed to assist the Police Command in Benue State carry out a manhunt for criminal elements, have gunned down five (5) suspects who participated in a deadly bank robbery at Otukpo.
During a gun duel at the criminal’s hideout in Taraku Village, Buruku LGA of the state, the police operatives arrested 4 suspects who also participated in the robbery, with 9 AK 47 rifles recovered after the encounter
“They all confessed to committing the heinous act and linked other gang members who are at large and have also named Terzungwe Shionda aka ‘3-star general’ (now late), Terlumum Pila and one Ayuko both at large, to be the ones supplying them arms on loan for their operations”.
Adejobi said the successful operation in Benue state is part of the sustained efforts of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to curb crimes and criminality across the country.
Towards this end, he said, “The Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Department Tactical Team- DFI-IRT and DFI-STS have successfully arrested 67 suspects for various crimes ranging from kidnapping, gunrunning, one-chance, armed robbery, banditry across the country.
He said the Police recovered 5,454 rounds of live ammunition of different calibre, 300 live cartridges, 50 empty shells of ammunition, 68 rifles, and 33 different ATM cards amongst others.
“Prominent amongst these achievements is the arrest of three (3) suspects who are members of a gunrunning syndicate in connection with the Christmas Eve attack on some villages in Plateau State, they are currently in police custody and assisting with the investigation.
“The suspects are Ahmed Sulaimon, Balikisu Aliyu, and Aboki Samuel.
“Upon their arrest, 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 AK-49 rifle, 1000 rounds of live ammunition and 5 magazines were recovered from them.
‘The IGP reiterates the commitment of the Police to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens by relentlessly cracking down on criminals and criminally related activities and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure Nigeria is a safe space for everyone” he added.