Police arrest 32 suspects, recover 10 rifles in Plateau operations - Punch Newspapers
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested 32 suspects for various offences, including kidnapping and human trafficking, and recovered 10 rifles and 54 rounds of live ammunition in 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 operational breakthroughs recorded by the command. Faniyan said that since assuming duty about two months ago, his administration had prioritised intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, professional conduct and zero tolerance for corruption among personnel. He said the achievements recorded were a result of the collective efforts of officers and men of the command, as well as timely information provided by members of the public. He thanked the media for their objectivity and support since he assumed duty and urged sustained partnership in accurate information dissemination. Giving highlights of the operations, the CP said, “On August 7, 2026, operatives on an intelligence-led patrol arrested one John Oba Agbanu, 24, in Zaramaganda forest, Jos South LGA, and recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol with two rounds of 9mm ammunition and two daggers. “On August 13, Police detectives, acting on credible intelligence arrested one Peter Pius, 23, of Jebbu Bassa, in a hotel in Bassa LGA, recovering a locally fabricated pistol and other items. “On August 31, operatives from Bashar Division arrested one Buba Abdulkarim of Wase LGA and recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.” Police rescue nine kidnap victims in Benue Oyo kidnap victims drank dirty water, ate unsalted rice — Survivor Odinkalu seeks review of judicial reversal of voters’ mandates The Commissioner said the command also recorded major arms recoveries without making any arrests. According to him, “On August 28, operatives of 81 PMF, Bassa, engaged suspected bandits at Kafi Abu, Barkin Ladi LGA, recovering one GPMG and one AK-47 rifle after the suspects fled. Similarly, on August 31, a Tactical Team in Barkin Ladi recovered a locally made rifle and nine rounds of ammunition from suspected illegal miners.” On crimes against persons, CP Faniyan said the command arrested a 22-year-old man in Bokkos LGA for alleged rape, a 35-year-old man for alleged defilement of an 11-year-old minor, and a 40-year-old school proprietor for alleged defilement of a nine-year-old pupil. He said all the victims were taken to hospital for medical examination, adding that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. On drug-related offences, Faniyan said four suspects were arrested on September 1 during a raid in Angwan Rogo, Jos, for possession of substances suspected to be cannabis and other hard drugs. The Commissioner said investigations were ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the gangs, adding that all suspects would be charged to court. CP Faniyan assured that the command would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations and collaboration with sister agencies and communities. He urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding and provide timely and credible information to the police. James Abraham
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