Police arrests 39 suspects, recovers multiple weapons (photos)

The Nigerian police force has arrested 39 suspects involved in several violent crimes in some parts of the country.

This was revealed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CP Frank Mba, disclosing that the arrest was made possible following unrelenting investigative and operational efforts.

Mba disclosed that some of the weapons recovered from the suspects are 2 RPG launchers, 13 AK47 rifles, 4 locally made pistols, 58 wraps of dynamite, 769 AK47 live ammunition, 14 AK47 magazines, 30 live cartridges, mobile phones, 157 SIM cards, amongst other incriminating items.

The PPRO noted that among the cases is the arrest of a 4-man notorious transborder arms smuggling syndicate in Cross River State; saying that the principal suspect, Ntui Lambert aged 36 a native of Ikom, Cross River state, was arrested in possession of different calibre of sophisticated weapons, 58 wraps of explosive materials suspected to be dynamite and ammunition.

Further investigation by the police team revealed that the suspect engages in arms smuggling with three of his other gang members  who are members of a seccessionist group in Cameroon. 

In another similar case, CP Mba stated that arrest was made on one Yahaya Zakari, a.k.a Excellency aged 46, who is a member of cybercrime syndicate that specializes in stealing mobile phones of people, and using their SIM cards to gain access to their accounts to carry out unauthorized financial transactions. 

Other members of his gang are Shehu Aliyu ‘m’ 22 years old, Umar Abubakar ‘m’ 42 years old and Abubakar Mohammed ‘m’ 41 years old. A total of One hundred and fifty-seven (157) SIM cards were recovered from the gang by the Police team.

The PPRO disclosed that two rocket propelled grenade (RPG) launchers were recovered from a 78 year old man, Okala Joseph, in Makurdi, Benue state, adding that the suspect is a middleman between criminal suppliers of the weapon and end-users.

CP Mba added that Joseph is currently assisting the police with vital information that will further help in breaking the supply chain and arresting other suspects. 

Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali reassured citizens that the NPF is committed to ensuring that perpetrators of criminal acts are brought to book and justice served to their victims.

He called on members of the public to be vigilant and report suspicious act to the police.