Police officers in Benue State have arrested a 20-year-old suspected arms supplier to bandits, identified as Joro Jarkata, in Guma Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest followed a proactive operation by a tactical team of police officers attached to the Guma Division on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, DSP Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement issued and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Friday.

Aondongu said a team of police officers was conducting a stop-and-search operation when it intercepted two persons riding on a motorcycle.

He said: “Upon sighting the police, one of the occupants alighted from the motorcycle and fled into a nearby bush.

“The remaining suspect, identified as Joro Jarkata, a 20-year-old man from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was apprehended.

“A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one hundred and fifteen (115) rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his possession.”

The state command spokesperson explained that the suspect was in police custody, while the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, for discreet investigation.

He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and determine the source, intended destination and circumstances surrounding the transportation of the ammunition.

Aondongu stated that the Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, had commended the vigilance, professionalism and alertness of the operatives whose prompt action led to the recovery.

He said the Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition and dismantling criminal networks threatening the peace and security of Benue State.

The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police had also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police formation.