Plateau Police Command: 32 Suspects, 10 Rifles Seized in Operations

• The Plateau Police Command arrested 32 suspects and recovered 10 rifles along with 54 rounds of ammunition in recent operations.
• Offenses included kidnapping, human trafficking, rape, defilement, and drug possession across the state.
• Specific arrests involved individuals like John Oba Agbanu, Peter Pius, and Buba Abdulkarim, with various weapons seized.
• The command also recovered a GPMG and an AK-47 rifle after engaging suspected bandits who fled.
• Commissioner Ayodeji Faniyan emphasized intelligence-led policing and community collaboration as key to these successes.

The Plateau Police Command recently announced the apprehension of 32 suspects and the recovery of 10 rifles, alongside 54 rounds of live ammunition, during various operations conducted across the state.

The Plateau Police Command recently announced the apprehension of 32 suspects and the recovery of 10 rifles, alongside 54 rounds of live ammunition, during various operations conducted across the state. These significant breakthroughs address a range of criminal activities, including kidnapping and human trafficking, demonstrating a broad effort to combat crime.

On August 7, 2026, an intelligence-led patrol in Zaramaganda forest, Jos South LGA, led to the arrest of 24-year-old John Oba Agbanu, from whom officers seized a locally fabricated Beretta pistol, two 9mm ammunition rounds, and two daggers. Days later, on August 13, police detectives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 23-year-old Peter Pius of Jebbu Bassa at a hotel in Bassa LGA, recovering a locally fabricated pistol and other items. The Bashar Division also secured an arrest on August 31, detaining Buba Abdulkarim from Wase LGA and recovering an AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Beyond direct apprehensions, the command also reported significant arms recoveries where suspects evaded capture. For instance, on August 28, operatives from 81 PMF, Bassa, engaged suspected bandits in Kafi Abu, Barkin Ladi LGA, leading to the recovery of a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and an AK-47 rifle after the perpetrators fled the scene. Similarly, a Tactical Team in Barkin Ladi recovered a locally made rifle and nine rounds of ammunition from suspected illegal miners on August 31.

The operations also targeted crimes against persons, resulting in the arrest of a 22-year-old man in Bokkos LGA for alleged rape, a 35-year-old man for the alleged defilement of an 11-year-old minor, and a 40-year-old school proprietor for the alleged defilement of a nine-year-old pupil. Additionally, four suspects were taken into custody on September 1 during a raid in Angwan Rogo, Jos, for possession of substances believed to be cannabis and other hard drugs.

State Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, provided these details during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Jos, outlining the operational successes. He highlighted that since his assumption of duty approximately two months prior, his administration has been dedicated to a strategic framework.

This framework prioritizes intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, professional conduct among personnel, and a strict zero tolerance for corruption. Commissioner Faniyan attributed the command's recent achievements to the combined efforts of its officers and men, alongside crucial and timely information received from the public. He also extended gratitude to the media for their objective reporting and support since he took office, advocating for continued partnership in disseminating accurate information.

All victims in cases involving crimes against persons were promptly taken to the hospital for medical examination. The command confirmed that all arrested suspects would face charges in court once investigations are fully concluded, ensuring due process for the alleged offenses.

Commissioner Faniyan also noted that investigations are actively underway to apprehend any remaining members of the criminal gangs involved in these incidents. He reiterated the Plateau Police Command's unwavering commitment to continuously strengthen its intelligence-led operations and foster robust collaboration with both sister agencies and local communities. Residents were encouraged to maintain vigilance, adhere to the law, and provide the police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts.

Source: Reporting based on Plateau State Police Command disclosures.