By Golok Nanmwa
Plateau State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle in Bokkos Local Government Area as part of ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities across the state.
The Command said the suspect was arrested following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating within the area.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Alfred Alabo, police operatives attached to Bokkos Division acted on credible information and carried out the operation in the early hours of Sunday, June 21.
The statement said the operatives arrested one Riwa Usman, 45, along Langshi Village in the Ampang East area of Bokkos LGA.
During preliminary investigation, the suspect reportedly told police that he is from Gargadi Village in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State and claimed he was returning with his cows from Doka Village in Quan’an Pan Local Government Area.
Police said a search conducted on the suspect’s motorcycle led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with breech number 11/6209002, an empty magazine, one cutlass and one knife.
The Command added that the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue to determine the source of the firearm and identify other possible members of the suspected criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, CP Bassey Ewah, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with relevant security agencies and residents to improve security across the state.
The Command also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information that would support efforts aimed at combating crime and maintaining public safety.
