The Benue State Police Command has arrested a suspected ammunition courier in Ukum Local Government Area and recovered 117 rounds of live ammunition, while also repelling an attack by suspected armed herdsmen in Apa LGA.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet, the arrest followed credible intelligence received by operatives of the command on February 6, 2026 at about 8:45 am.
The police said the suspect, identified as Saamoga, also known as Aleki, was allegedly transporting live ammunition from Gbagir to Zaki-Biam on a commercial motorcycle.
“Based on the information, a patrol team was immediately mobilised and deployed to the Tse Dubem area of Ukum Local Government Area, where a stop-and-search operation was conducted,” the statement said.
Upon sighting the police patrol team, the suspect reportedly disembarked from the motorcycle and attempted to flee. During the operation, he was immobilised with a gunshot wound to the leg and taken into custody.
A search conducted on him led to the recovery of 117 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside socks in his handbag. Charms and a mobile phone were also recovered.
Police said that during preliminary investigations, the suspect confessed that the ammunition was being conveyed to Taraba State. He was subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam, for medical treatment but later died while receiving care.
In a separate development, the command disclosed that it received a situation report on the same day regarding an attack by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen on Edikwu Icho in Apa Local Government Area.
The attack, however, was repelled by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad of the Benue State Police Command, restoring calm to the area.
The police further stated that reconstruction work has commenced on the bridge linking Ugbokpo, Idogbu, Ochumeku, and Ikobi, which was earlier burnt by suspected herdsmen.
The project is being carried out under heavy security presence to ensure the safety of workers and residents.
Benue State Commissioner of Police CP Ifeanyi Emenari commended officers and men of the Command for their prompt response and professionalism.
He reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to proactive and intelligence-led policing to safeguard lives and property across the state.
The Command also acknowledged the collaboration of other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and Civil Protection Guard, as well as relevant Benue State Government officials, describing their synergy as instrumental to maintaining peace and public safety.
Residents were urged to remain calm and continue to provide timely and credible information to assist in crime prevention and detection efforts across the state.
