Mohammed Shosanya
Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) attached to FID-IRT have arrested 92 armed robbers, 153 kidnappers, rescued 35 kidnapped victims and recovered 7 stolen vehicles in two weeks.
Police also arrested 9 suspected cultists, recovered 44 arms and 477 ammunition of various calibres.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday,the Force Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said, “We have a total of 34 arrested suspects, 7 Ak-47 rifles, 9 automatic pistols, 1804 rounds of live ammunition, a POS Machine, assorted illicit drugs, and 1 Mazda Saloon Car.
He said,the operatives have recorded appreciable efforts in quelling the menace of banditry, kidnapping and other sort of heinous crimes occurring across the country, stating that today’s parade is another day that serves as a testimonial of the endless and relentless efforts of the NPF in the pursuit of justice and apprehension of criminals connected to several forms of crime.
He also assured that, the Police will continue to strengthen our investigative capabilities and collaborate with law enforcement partners,saying, “We remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of every citizen.
“We are confident that the aggregate of our efforts towards combating crimes, will, in no time, herald a more secure and peaceful Nigeria. We wish to put it on record that the force has recorded remarkable achievements across the country most especially in combating crimes and criminality, managing civil and social challenges like the recent labour protest, rescuing kidnapped victims, busting gun-running syndicates.”
Highlighting the numerous achievements of the Force, Adejobi said, “On 9th of February 2024, operatives of the FID-IRT received intelligence on the activities of a syndicate of Transborder gunrunners operating in Plateau state to other parts of the country and by extension, supplying arms and ammunition to some criminal elements beyond the borders of the country.
“The IRT Operatives utilized this information and arrested the following principal suspects: (1) Mahos Jatau Mancha a.k.a Adis (2) Justin Abugieye a.k.a Austin (3) Joseph Zingkur Ayuba a.k.a Zed (4) Davou Chuwang and (5) Yakubu Benedict Bonat a.k.a VIP.
“During investigation, it came to light that the said Justin Abugieye is a Transborder Arms and ammunition supplier based in Obudu LGA of Cross River State who usually gets supplies of AK47 rifles, ammunition, and rocket launcher from the Mahos Jatau Mancha, Joseph Zingkur Ayuba, Davou Chuwang, Yakubu Benedict Bonat, all in Plateau state and in turn supplies same to some rebels and other criminal elements in a neighboring country.
“One of the suspects, Yakubu Benedict Bonat confessed to have sold 4 Ak-47 rifles to Justin Abugieye, the first which he said belonged to his late father who was a police officer, and he had sold it to Justin instead of handing it over to legal authorities while the others, he had locally fabricated and had sold to Justin.
“Another of the suspects, Ibrahim Maji, happens to be a middleman who was present when Justin had sold 3 Ak-47 rifles to one Shetto Dogo and had collected another Ak-47 rifle and 16 live ammunitions to personally deliver to Shetto Dogo before his apprehension.
“One Lucy Ogar, the fem ale lover and accomplice of Justin who usually accompanies him to take delivery and supply of the arms and ammunition, as well as one Paulina Abugieye, his younger sister who assists him in delivering arms to buyers were also arrested.
“A factory operated by the said Joseph Zingkur Ayuba in his house at Kuru, Jos, Plateau state, where he fabricates arms was also discovered. Another suspect; Davou Chuwang who supplies ammunition to Joseph Zingkur was also arrested and while in custody, he was contacted by Majahid Muhammad Kyari and Buhari Musa who requested to purchase 2 Ak-47 rifles from him.
“They agreed to meet him to inspect the rifles and were immediately arrested by the operatives of the IRT at the agreed meet point. Interrogation revealed that Majahid had earlier been in business with Davou Chuwang and had in the past, purchased 50 rounds of 9mm live ammunition from him and trusted him to deliver this time around also.”
Adejobi gave the full names of the suspects as Mahos Jatau Mancha a.k.a Adis ‘m’; Justin Abugieye a.k.a Austin ‘m’; Joseph Zingkur Ayuba a.k.a Zed ‘m’; Davou Chuwang ‘m’; Yakubu Benedict Bonat a.k.a VIP ‘m’; Ibrahim Maji ‘m; Majahid Muhammad Kyari ‘m’; Buhari Musa ‘m’; Lucy Ogar ‘f’; Paulina Abugieye ‘f’.
Speaking further, the FPRO noted that, the mandate of securing lives and property of the citizens and ridding the country of criminal elements is core to the Police.
He stated that, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has charged the men of the Force to remain resolute in discharging their duties and ensuring all necessary measures and strategies are being implemented for a safer environment for everyone.”
