- Benue police arrest suspect transporting live ammunition in Ukum LGA
- 117 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition recovered during stop-and-search
- Suspect attempted escape, later died while receiving treatment
- Security operations intensified as police repel fresh attack in Apa LGA
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspected criminal in Ukum Local Government Area, where 117 rounds of live ammunition were recovered during a security operation driven by credible intelligence.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the operation followed intelligence reports on the movement of a male suspect identified as Saamoga, also known as Aleki.
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According to the police, the suspect was allegedly conveying live ammunition from Gbagir to Zaki-Biam on a commercial motorcycle when operatives were deployed to intercept him at Tse Dubem in Ukum LGA.
“On sighting the patrol team, the suspect abandoned the motorcycle and attempted to escape,” DSP Edet said.
Police operatives reportedly subdued the suspect and took him into custody. A search conducted at the scene led to the recovery of 117 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, which were concealed inside socks placed in his handbag. Charms and a mobile phone were also recovered.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed that the ammunition was being transported to Taraba State. He was later taken to the General Hospital in Zaki-Biam for medical attention, where he was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
In a related development, the Command disclosed that it received a situation report on February 6, 2026, regarding an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Edikwu Icho community in Apa Local Government Area.
The attack was successfully repelled by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and normalcy has since returned to the area.
The police also confirmed that reconstruction has commenced on the damaged bridge linking Ugbokpo, Idogbu, Ochumeku and Ikobi, previously destroyed during attacks. The project is being executed under heavy security.
“The Command appreciates the support of the Nigerian Army, Civil Protection Guard and the Benue State Government. Inter-agency collaboration remains vital to sustaining peace and public safety,” DSP Edet added.