The Plateau State Police Command has arrested 32 individuals for various offences, including kidnapping and human trafficking. They also seized 10 rifles and 54 rounds of live ammunition during operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police Ayodeji Faniyan shared these details on Friday at the command headquarters in Jos, highlighting the operational successes achieved since he took office two months ago. He emphasised a focus on intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and zero tolerance for corruption among officers.
Faniyan credited these accomplishments to the dedication of police personnel and timely information from the public. He expressed gratitude to the media for their support and called for continued cooperation in sharing accurate information.
Among the operations he highlighted, on August 7, officers arrested a 24-year-old man named John Oba Agbanu in Zaramaganda forest, recovering a homemade Beretta pistol and two knives. On August 13, detectives captured 23-year-old Peter Pius at a hotel in Jebbu Bassa, seizing a locally made pistol and other items. Additionally, on August 31, police arrested Buba Abdulkarim from Wase LGA with an AK-47 rifle and ammunition.
Faniyan noted that significant arms recoveries also occurred without arrests. For instance, on August 28, a team engaged suspected bandits in Barkin Ladi LGA, recovering an AK-47 and a GPMG after the suspects escaped. On August 31, a tactical unit retrieved a homemade rifle and nine rounds of ammunition from suspected illegal miners.
In relation to crimes against persons, police arrested a 22-year-old in Bokkos LGA for alleged rape, a 35-year-old for the defilement of an 11-year-old, and a 40-year-old proprietor for allegedly defiling a nine-year-old student. All victims received medical examinations, and the suspects will face court charges after investigations.
On drug-related offences, police apprehended four individuals on September 1 during a raid in Angwan Rogo, Jos, for possession of suspected cannabis and other drugs.
Faniyan assured that investigations are ongoing to apprehend gang members on the run and stated all suspects will be charged. He urged residents to remain vigilant, obey the law, and provide credible information to the police.
