Police arrest suspected ammunition courier in Benue, recover 117 rounds of live ammunition

The Benue State Police Command has arrested a suspected ammunition courier and recovered 117 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

Police sources said the suspect, identified as Saamoga, also known as Aleki, was intercepted while riding a commercial motorcycle from Gbagir to Zaki-Biam. The arrest followed credible intelligence on the movement of illegal arms and ammunition within the area.

According to the command, the suspect attempted to flee on sighting police operatives but was subdued. A search conducted on him led to the discovery of 117 rounds of live ammunition concealed inside socks in a handbag, alongside other personal items.

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Preliminary investigation revealed that the ammunition was allegedly being transported to Taraba State, raising concerns over the movement of illicit arms across state borders.

The suspect sustained an injury during the arrest and was taken to the General Hospital in Zaki-Biam for medical attention, where he was later confirmed dead while receiving treatment.

In a related development, the police said their operatives also repelled a suspected armed attack on a community in Apa Local Government Area, restoring calm after the incident.

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The Benue State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal arms and enhancing security across the state.

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