The Plateau State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on crime, with the arrest of multiple suspects linked to illegal arms possession, cult violence, and banditry across the state.
Briefing journalists on May 1, 2026, at the Command Headquarters in Jos, Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, disclosed that operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested a 31-year-old suspect, David Ponnan, in the early hours of April 29 at JUTH, Lamingo area. Items recovered from him include a locally made double-barrel pistol, a pump-action cartridge, and a human skull. The suspect reportedly claimed he took the firearm from a local vigilante operative and converted it for personal use. Police say investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the disturbing discovery.
In a separate operation, nine suspects were arrested on April 30 by officers of the Nassarawa Gwong Division over alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, assault, and cult-related activities in Jos North Local Government Area. The suspects, all residents of Bulbula and Dilimi communities, were accused of attacking several individuals with dangerous weapons, leaving one victim with serious injuries. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belong to rival cult groups known for terrorizing residents in the Dilimi axis.
Meanwhile, the Command also confirmed the arrest of two suspects, Musa Adamu and Mohammed Abubakar, in Gudus village of Wase LGA for suspected involvement in banditry. The duo was intercepted along a route commonly used by bandits to launch attacks on nearby communities. During interrogation, they allegedly confessed to supplying cash and materials to bandits in their hideouts. Recovered items include cigarette packs, ₦50,000 cash, Airtel recharge cards, and substances linked to illicit drug use.
CP Ewah assured residents that all suspects remain in custody and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling crime and urged the public to continue providing useful information to aid security operations.
