Police arrest ‘arms dealer supplying weapons to bandits’ in Plateau

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has arrested Jubril Musa,“a major arms dealer”, in Plateau state.

In a statement on Thursday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the NPF, said Musa was apprehended with a cache of weapons.

He added that the suspect confessed to supplying arms to bandits and kidnappers in the region.

“The suspect, identified as Jubril Musa ‘m’, was arrested with 2 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition (long), 1 Makarov pistol, 1 fabricated Bronny pistol, a single round of 7.8mm live ammunition, 2 rounds of G3 live ammunition, 4 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition (short), and a single round of 9mm live ammunition,” he said.

Adejobi added that within a month, the police arrested hundreds of suspects connected to crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder.

“Since October 1, 2024, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant achievements in the fight against crime,” Adejobi added.

“These include the arrest of 371 armed robbery suspects, 186 kidnapping suspects, 242 murder/homicide suspects, 63 suspects connected with the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 217 rape suspects, and 167 suspected cultists.

“Additionally, 210 firearms and 3,172 rounds of various calibres of ammunition were recovered.

“The Police were also able to recover 118 stolen vehicles and rescue 64 kidnapping victims across the country.”

Adejobi said the arrests demonstrate the force’s commitment under Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to address threats to public safety.

“The Inspector General of Police once again reassures members of the public of the Police Force’s dedication to enhancing the safety and security of the country through various tactical operations, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement strategies,” he said.

“The goal of these initiatives is to achieve a substantial decrease in crime rates across the country and to make significant strides in combating violent crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cybercrime.

“Embracing a multifaceted approach to law enforcement, the Nigeria Police Force remains relentless in its mission to reduce crimes and criminalities in accordance with the Rule of Law, upholding the highest standards of professionalism in carrying out duties of protecting lives and properties.”