Nigerian Police operatives have dismantled a significant arms supply network responsible for equipping bandits operating in Benue State and other North-Central regions.
This resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of a substantial cache of sophisticated weaponry and ammunition.
This breakthrough is part of ongoing investigations into deadly attacks plaguing communities in Benue.
According to a press statement from Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on went, the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) has made key strides in curbing illicit arms flow.
On June 21, 2025, FID-IRT operatives, acting on credible intelligence regarding bandits involved in the Yelwata killings, stormed a forest hideout situated on the boundary of Kardako in Nasarawa State and Yelwata in Benue State.
A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the criminals to flee with varying degrees of injuries.
During the operation, two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) were recovered from the bandits’ den.
Further success followed on July 8, 2025, when FID-IRT operatives conducted a tactical operation along the Lafia–Makurdi expressway in Makurdi, Benue State.
They arrested 25-year-old Abubakar Isah, who was found in possession of three AK47 rifles and 1002 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
This arrest stemmed from actionable intelligence about an impending arms shipment intended for bandit groups terrorising Benue communities.
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Subsequent investigations revealed that these weapons and ammunition were supplied by notorious arms dealer Jacob Adikwu, who operates from Abinsi in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The consignment was reportedly destined for Dan Hassan, a notorious bandit kingpin linked to deadly attacks across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara States.
In a related development on July 12, 2025, FID-IRT operatives apprehended Ibrahim, also known as ‘Chelsea,’ based on credible intelligence.
Ibrahim confessed to sending N6.5 million to Jacob Adikwu: N6 million for the purchase and delivery of two AK47 rifles and 2000 rounds of live ammunition, and N500,000 for the construction of a hidden compartment within a Volkswagen vehicle to conceal the weapons for transport to Kwara State.
This intelligence led to a swift follow-up operation in Abinsi town, where Jacob Adikwu was successfully apprehended on July 16, 2025.
From his hideout, operatives recovered three AK-47 rifles, 220 rounds of live ammunition, and the Volkswagen car.
A subsequent investigation by the operatives on July 17, 2025, yielded additional significant recoveries from the same arms dealer, including five more AK-47 rifles, one rocket launcher, and an additional 1000 rounds of live ammunition.
The Police High Command stated that efforts are being intensified to apprehend Dan Hassan and other criminal elements terrorising Benue and other parts of the country.
Those currently in custody will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun commended the operatives for their persistence, reiterating that there would be “no hiding place for those who profit from the bloodshed of innocent Nigerians.”
The IGP further urged sustained efforts to maintain peace in the affected areas, as directed by President Bola Tinubu, and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability nationwide.
