By Odeh Favour Adiya
Operatives of the Benue State Police Command have arrested a 20-year-old suspected bandits’ arms supplier, Joro Jarkata, in the Guma Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest followed a proactive operation carried out by officers of the Guma Division on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, according to a statement issued in Makurdi on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondona.
During a stop-and-search operation, police officers intercepted two individuals riding on a motorcycle.
However, the presence of security personnel caused one of the riders to escape into a nearby bush.
“Upon sighting the police, one of the occupants alighted from the motorcycle and fled into a nearby bush,” Aondona noted.
The police spokesperson added, “The remaining suspect, identified as Joro Jarkata, a 20-year-old male from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was apprehended.”
A subsequent search of the suspect uncovered a significant cache of live ammunition hidden on his person.
“A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one hundred and fifteen (115) rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his possession,” the statement read in part.
The suspect remains in police custody, and the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi for a discreet investigation.
Law enforcement officers are actively pursuing the fleeing suspect while working to trace the origin, destination, and circumstances surrounding the transportation of the illegal ammunition.
Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the operatives for their alertness, vigilance, and professionalism, which resulted in the intercept and recovery. He also urged members of the public to stay vigilant and immediately report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police division.
