The police command in Nasarawa State says it has detained six suspected armed robbers and cultists and recovered dangerous weapons from the suspects.

SP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, said this in a statement on Thursday in Lafia.

He explained that the suspects were arrested with firearms and other dangerous weapons during a special Eid-el-Kabir operation.

He described the feat as a significant breakthrough in the sustained efforts to ensure peaceful and crime-free Sallah celebrations in the state.

Mr Nansel said that the operatives attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit on Wednesday, May 27, at about 4:30 p.m., while on intensive patrol around Ombi I, Lafia, intercepted the suspects.

He explained that the suspects, all male, were residents of Transformer Street, Ombi I, Lafia.

He noted that they were intercepted with a small handbag and, upon interrogation, failed to give a satisfactory account of themselves.

“A search conducted on them led to the recovery of one fabricated Beretta pistol, one live 9mm ammunition, four Android phones, criminal charms, and one Bajaj motorcycle.

“The suspects have been taken into custody while the investigation is ongoing to unravel their criminal network and possible involvement in other crimes,” he said.

The PPRO also disclosed that on the same date at about 7:00 p.m., the Area Commander, Metro Lafia, received a distress call from a resident of the Bukan Kwato area of Lafia, indicating an unlawful society.

He explained that the police acted swiftly on the information and mobilised a team that arrested three members of the group along the new bypass while returning to the Akunza community in Lafia.

He further said that all three suspects are male and from the Akunza community, Lafia.

“Items recovered from the suspects include one locally made pistol, one axe, and one red beret suspected to be associated with cult activities.”

Mr Nansel, on behalf of Shetima Mohammed, Commissioner of Police, commended the officers for their prompt response and professionalism, he said.

He assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

He further warned criminal elements and members of unlawful societies to desist from all forms of criminal activities or face the full wrath of the law.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information to enhance security across the state.

The police spokesperson therefore said that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation. 

(NAN)