The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Mukaddas Muhammad Garba, on Tuesday, disclosed that men of Operation Puff Adder have arrested 18 suspects for sundry crimes since it became operational in the state.
The CP disclosed this in a press statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP. Anene Sewuese Catherine.
The Next Edition recalls that Operation Puff Adder was launched in Benue State on May 22nd, 2019, at the Police Headquarters, in Makurdi and deployed to strategic areas for prevention and quick response to heinous crimes in the state.
The CP said the operation had registered successes in the areas of preventing crime and apprehension of criminals during the period under review.
He said the 18 suspects were arrested for robbery, kidnapping, gun running, cultism and other crimes.
Some of the suspects; Solomon Alex, Torbem Ermo, Raphael Apaku, Michael and Isaac Anagba, all of different addresses, were arrested within Makurdi town in connection with cult related killings.
Solomon Alex was arrested with one single barrel shot gun and one live cartridge in his possession.
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He also led the operatives to Agatu Local Government Area where Alhassan Isah and Simeon Alhassan were arrested with one locally made gun designed to use AK 47 ammunition and 14 long gun barrels indicating that arms were assembled in the house.
Their case would soon be charged to Court, the PPRO stated.
Others include Tarkighir James Abako alias “Ajijan,” arrested in connection with a case of kidnapping in Gboko; Oradir Jeremiah ‘m’ leader of XPP secret cult group, arrested in Aliade town; Vihimga Nyigba and Asamuga Tyongi, arrested at Ugba, Logo Local Government Area.
Other arrested suspects are; Thomas Okibe of Ugbokolo, Aondofa Aondohemba of Mbaya village, Kastina-Ala, arrested at Dyum village Ukum Local Government Area with an axe, one knife and assorted charms.
One Onyenzeh Levi of Ihiala village, Anambra State, was also arrested by a team of Policemen and an unauthorised DSP Police Identity Card, Police black belt, unregistered 2007 model Toyota Camry, tear-gas and a Police Mobile shirt were recovered from him.
In all, six locally made pistols, one locally made AK 47 rifle, 11 Ammunition, 14 live cartridges, charms and dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp among other exhibits were recovered from the suspects.
The CP thanked the officers and the Benue public for the achievements of the operation so far and solicited for more support.
