Benue Police Uncover Two Illegal Gun Factories, Arrest Key Suspects in Major Crime Bust

 

The Benue State Police Command has dismantled two illegal gun manufacturing operations and arrested three individuals in Guma and Kwande Local Government Areas.

State Commissioner of Police, CP Steve Yabanet, made the revelation during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Makurdi on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. In addition to the gun-related arrests, three other individuals were detained in connection with armed robbery and other criminal activities in Kwande and Makurdi.

CP Yabanet reported that two suspects, Friday Aduduakamve and Iorwashima Iornyume, were apprehended based on credible intelligence indicating the presence of a weapons production facility in Mbaafa, Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area.

"On January 11, 2025, at approximately 14:30 hours, police raided the identified workshop at Mbaafa and apprehended Friday Aduduakamve and Iorwashima Iornyume, also known as 'AK-35.' A search of the premises resulted in the discovery of nine crafted pistols, an unfinished AK-47 rifle, two gas cylinders, a filing machine, four additional machines, and various other tools used in the production of firearms," he explained.

The Commissioner further noted that another weapons manufacturing site was uncovered in Daudu, Guma, where additional firearms were recovered.

"As our investigators continued their efforts to combat criminal activity in Daudu, we gathered information that Meme Ihoon, a 50-year-old male, was implicated in the production of firearms, which had been used in criminal acts such as kidnapping, robbery, and cult-related violence. On January 10, 2025, at approximately 08:00 hours, Meme Ihoon was arrested, and six Dane guns along with three long metal pipes used in gun fabrication were seized from his residence. The suspect admitted to producing and selling weapons. Investigations are still underway to apprehend other individuals linked to the operation," CP Yabanet added.

In another development, the police reported a robbery incident on January 5, 2025, involving three brothers who were traveling from Obudu in Cross River State to Adikpo, Kwande. The suspects, including the motorcyclist, attempted to divert the brothers' route, intending to rob them. However, one of the brothers overheard their plan and warned the group, allowing them to flee. Despite their escape, the suspects pursued them into the bush and stole their money in French CFA francs and naira.

"After the theft, a crowd became aware of the incident and apprehended one of the robbers, while another victim sustained serious injuries. Two suspects, Terhemba Abugh and Shima Terseer, both from the same area, were arrested. Investigations are ongoing to locate the remaining culprits involved in this violent act," CP Yabanet disclosed.

Additionally, the police acted swiftly following a report of an armed robbery on January 12, 2025, at approximately 21:50 hours. A police patrol team apprehended Aondoseer Nguetar of Agan North Bank, Makurdi, who later confessed to his involvement in the crime. The search for other accomplices continues.

CP Yabanet appealed to parents, religious leaders, and traditional authorities to collaborate with law enforcement in tackling crime, emphasizing the importance of instilling cultural and religious values in young people to curb the rising tide of criminal behavior.