The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested six suspected armed robbers and cultists, recovering firearms and other dangerous weapons during a special security operation ahead of Eid-el-Kabir.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Lafia, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, described the breakthrough as a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful and crime-free Sallah celebration across the state.
He said operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit, while on intensive patrol around Ombi I, Lafia, on Wednesday at about 4:30 p.m., intercepted the suspects – all male residents of Transformer Street in the area. The men were carrying a small handbag and failed to give a satisfactory account of themselves upon interrogation.
A subsequent search led to the recovery of one fabricated Beretta pistol, one live 9mm round of ammunition, four Android mobile phones, criminal charms, and a Bajaj motorcycle. “The suspects have been taken into custody, and investigations are ongoing to uncover their criminal network,” Nansel added.
In a separate incident on the same day at approximately 7:00 p.m., the Area Commander of Metro Lafia received a distress call from a resident of the Bukan Kwato area regarding an unlawful society. Police swiftly mobilised a team and arrested three male suspects along the new bypass as they returned to the Akunza community in Lafia.
Items recovered from the second group include one locally made pistol, one axe, and a red beret suspected to be linked to cult activities.
On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, Nansel commended the officers for their professionalism and rapid response. He reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property during and after the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
He also warned criminal elements and members of unlawful societies to desist from all forms of crime or face the full weight of the law. Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and support the police with timely, credible information to enhance security across the state.
All suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.