Police Smash Illegal Arms Factories in Benue, Recover AK-47s

Published Date: July 31, 2026. Publisher: DocuNews Central

In a major operational breakthrough aimed at cutting off illicit weapon supplies, the Benue State Police Command has dismantled two underground firearm manufacturing factories. The tactical raids took place in Adikpo, located within the Kwande Local Government Area.

The operation marks a significant victory in ongoing efforts to stop the spread of illegal small arms across the state and the North-Central region.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, confirmed the successful raid during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi on Friday, July 31, 2026.

CP Nwadiogbu revealed that recent police actions led to multiple major successes across the state. These achievements include arresting suspected gun runners, destroying illegal arms factories, foiling a fake kidnapping plot, and recovering lethal weapons and live ammunition.

The raid in Kwande was executed on July 29, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU). The team acted on credible, actionable intelligence detailing hidden arms production operations in the area.

Providing further details, State Police Public Relations Officer Orchia Peter stated that the tactical raids targeted two separate locations within Adikpo.

At the first site, officers arrested one primary suspect. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of two locally fabricated AK-47 assault rifles.

Police also seized specialized manufacturing tools, equipment, and raw materials used for assembling firearms on-site.

Moving quickly to the second location, the tactical team apprehended a second suspect. Operatives recovered five locally fabricated English pistols, effectively shutting down both illegal production facilities.

This breakthrough came just one day after police intercepted a major illegal ammunition delivery in the state.

On July 28, 2026, officers from the Guma Police Division recorded a victory during a routine stop-and-search operation along a key transit route.

While conducting checkpoint duties, officers intercepted a motorcycle carrying two individuals. Upon spotting the police, one passenger jumped off and fled into the surrounding bush.

Police secured the second suspect, identified as 20-year-old Joro Jakata from Awe Local Government Area in Nasarawa State.

A detailed search revealed 115 rounds of live 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition hidden on his person.

Officers impounded the motorcycle and transferred Jakata to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Makurdi. An active manhunt is underway to arrest his fleeing accomplice and uncover the entire supply chain.

During the briefing, CP Nwadiogbu also addressed a recent deadly attack in the Efeyi Ugboju Community within Otukpo Local Government Area.

Armed bandits invaded the community primarily to rustle cattle, stealing approximately 20 cows before opening fire on defenseless residents and killing 13 innocent people.

CP Nwadiogbu personally visited the community to assess the security situation firsthand following the tragic incident.

Following his assessment, the Police Commissioner launched a specialized tactical operation to track down the attackers.

During the search, police operatives were ambushed by a heavily armed gang linked to the massacre.

Displaying strong tactical discipline, officers repelled the attack and neutralized two bandits. The team recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 15 rounds of live ammunition, while remaining gang members escaped with gunshot wounds.

In another successful operation, the command dismantled an organized armed robbery syndicate operating in Buruku Local Government Area.

The breakdown of the gang began with the arrest of 35-year-old Ephraim Yough, who was caught gathering intelligence for an upcoming attack.

Yough’s confession led armed operatives directly to the gang’s hidden hideout. During the raid, police arrested five additional gang members and recovered a K2 assault rifle along with a cutlass.

Preliminary investigations link this gang to several violent crimes, including the murder of a local trader in Buruku in December 2025. Authorities are actively pursuing remaining fleeing members of the network.

The police command also recorded arrests in violent interpersonal crimes. Officers apprehended two suspects in connection with the fatal stabbing of 28-year-old Igbadoo Faga in Buruku.

In Kwande, another suspect was arrested following a violent clash between two farmers involving a locally made pistol and a machete, which resulted in a fatality.

Police also responded to a distress call in Ohimini, arresting a suspect and recovering a double-barrel gun, three live cartridges, and a knife.

Meanwhile, in Makurdi, officers arrested two people over the alleged trafficking and attempted sale of a two-year-old child.

In total, the command recovered three AK-47 rifles, one K2 assault rifle, six locally fabricated English pistols, one double-barrel gun, 130 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, three live cartridges, and several bladed weapons.

CP Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the command’s determination to deny criminals any safe space in Benue State. He stressed that law enforcement will continue to pursue offenders and enforce the law strictly.

The Police Commissioner emphasized that public security relies on strong partnership with citizens. He urged residents to stay vigilant and share timely, credible intelligence with security agencies.

Citizens monitoring national security directives and public safety announcements can consult the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Portal.

Official defense releases and police updates are published regularly on the Federal Ministry of Information Portal.

DocuNews Central will continue to track police operations, defense deployments, and security developments across all geopolitical zones.

Also read Nigerian Army Rescues 14 Kidnapped Victims in Edo State

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Written by Jonadab Oluikpe | DocuNews Central

The DocuNews Central Desk delivers investigative reporting, grassroots policy updates, and fact-checked news to keep citizens informed with accurate, actionable truth across the nation.