On Tuesday, the police disclosed the apprehension of three suspected members of a gun running syndicate linked to the December 24 assault on Plateau communities.
Over 100 casualties resulted from the Christmas Eve attack across three local government areas.
President Bola Tinubu has instructed security agencies to apprehend the culprits, yet no group has claimed responsibility for the assault amid ongoing ethno-religious tensions.
During a media briefing in Abuja, Nigeria Police Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed the arrests, which were carried out in response to an order from Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
The suspects were found in possession of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, an AK-49 rifle, 1,000 rounds of live ammunition, and a Golf car. Efforts persist to capture additional individuals involved in the attacks.
Earlier, on December 13, 2023, police apprehended nine suspects in the Gaube area of Kuje Area Council in connection with an attack that resulted in three deaths.
The suspects, identified as members of the local hunters and forest guard, confessed to the crime, which involved attacking individuals in transit and abandoning the victims’ bodies in Kabi forest.
Additionally, the police have arrested an alleged armed robbery and kidnap kingpin operating in Nasarawa State.
The suspect, found with an AK-49 rifle and ammunition, admitted to using these weapons for criminal activities. The police are actively pursuing another suspect who possesses an AK-47 rifle to dismantle the gang’s operations.
In total, 67 suspects have been apprehended for various criminal offenses, leading to the recovery of substantial ammunition, firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, daggers, and electronic devices. The police continue their investigations, aiming to ensure public safety and bring the perpetrators to justice.
