The second in command of the late notorious gang leader, Terwase Akwaza aka Gana, and four other suspected bandits have been arrested by policemen in Benue State.

Two amongst the suspects arrested specialize in manufacturing local guns for armed robbers.

The Commissioner of Police, Batholomew Onyeka, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday, during his maiden briefing in his office at the command headquarters in Makurdi.

CP Onyeka said that after he received briefs from his predecessor about activities of bandits and other criminals in the state, on resumption of office, he deployed all available human and material resources to rid the state of crime.

He furthersaid, “On 14/08/2023 at about 0340hrs Officers from Operation ZENDA JTF Tactical team trailed and arrested a dreaded and vicious armed bandit kingpin named Kumaor Fachir Daniel, popularly known as 2^ndin Command to late Gana along Adikpo-Ugbema road.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of four other gang members including Torwuese Ashiekaa, Aondongu Aligbe, Terkula Wuhe aka “Oryughurt” and one Terhemba Sevav a 47yrs old member of the gang from Adikpo Kwande who specialized in fixing and manufacturing rifles for the gang.”

CP Onyeka listed items recovered from the suspects to include;two AK-47 rifles, two other fabricated AK-47 rifles, two Beretta pistols, in the process of fabrication, one double barrel gun loaded with 35 live cartridges and130 rounds of 7.62X 39mm live ammunition.

He addedthat other suspects escaped from the scene and warned criminals and intending criminals to desist from such acts and turn new leaves saying “I will not tolerate criminality in Benue State. I will fight them.

The CP further said,“I was asked to come here to replicate what I did in Plateau State. My vision, mission in this job is policing with the fear of God. When you intentionally break the law and come begging for mercy, it becomes very difficult. Sometimes people might take my principle for wickedness but it is not.

“My agenda in Benue State is very simple. I’m here to ensure that the people of Benue sleep with their two eyes closed. We are equally here to ensure that we protect the lives and property of the Benue people,” he said.

The Commissioner called on the people of the state to cooperate with the Police by giving useful and timely information that will assist the Command in tackling crime.

“A crime free society makes room for sustainable development that can propel a state to greater heights, particularly our dear state that is endowed with so many resources.

“This operation should serve as a warning to criminal elements. It is high time they embraced peace and enjoy freedom or we chase them till they relocate outside of Benue.

“I am not an office commissioner of police. I’m a field officer. I want to assure you that with me in this state, they will have no hiding place. The best thing is for them to relocate or we will give them the hit that will make them relocate elsewhere so that the people of the state can go about their business without being molested,” the CP said. (Nigerian Tribune)