The Benue State Police Command says it has dismantled two illegal firearm manufacturing sites and arrested suspected gunrunners in separate operations across Buruku and Kwande local government areas. Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiobu made the disclosure while briefing journalists in Makurdi. In Buruku, police raided an illegal firearm factory and arrested one suspect, recovering two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles as well as manufacturing tools and accessories. In Kwande, a separate operation in Adikpo led to the arrest of another suspect and the recovery of five locally made English pistols. Police said the suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations.
In related security actions aimed at reducing violent crime, the command also dismantled a suspected armed robbery gang linked to attacks in Buruku and nearby communities. Acting on intelligence received on July 13, 2026, operatives arrested a 35-year-old man accused of conducting surveillance for an intended attack, and a follow-up raid in the early hours of July 16 resulted in the arrest of additional suspects and the recovery of a K2 rifle and a cutlass. Police say investigations continue into the group’s activities and additional fleeing suspects.
