THE Nigeria Police Force, Plateau State Command, has apprehended 32 suspects in connection with a string of violent and criminal offences across the state.
The suspects were arrested over cases including culpable homicide, kidnapping, human trafficking, armed robbery, defilement and drug abuse, among other offences.
Parading the suspects on Friday at the Command’s headquarters in Jos, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, described the arrests as significant strides recorded for the month of August under review. Officers also recovered 10 rifles and 54 rounds of ammunition.
CP Faniyan revealed that since assuming duty he has adopted strategies including intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, effective response to threats, professional conduct, zero tolerance for corruption and strong collaboration with stakeholders and the public.
According to the CP, on 7 August 2026 at about 6.45pm, officers on an intelligence-led patrol arrested one John Oba Agbanu, 24, of Zaramaganda Forest, Jos South LGA. A routine search uncovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol with two rounds of 9mm live ammunition and two double-edged daggers. Investigation has commenced, with efforts ongoing to arrest other members of his gang.
On 12 August 2026 at about 7.00am, police received a report that a 23-year-old woman had been attacked while working on her farm with her grandmother. One Adam Mohammed, 22, of Mangor, Bokkos LGA, allegedly armed with a stick, attacked them and forcefully had carnal knowledge of the granddaughter. The suspect was immediately arrested, while the victim was taken to hospital for a medical check-up. He remains in custody as investigations intensify and the case will be charged to court.
On 13 August 2026 at about 5.30am, acting on credible intelligence, detectives arrested one Peter Pius, 23, of Jebbu Bassa in Bassa LGA, at a hotel. A routine search recovered a locally fabricated pistol, an Acer laptop, two power-handling continuous units (300 watts/600 watts program, 1200 watts peak impedance), a 3kg gas cylinder, a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. Investigation has commenced and efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of his gang.
The Commissioner further disclosed that a complainant noticed her 11-year-old cousin walking abnormally and experiencing difficulty when urinating. Upon inquiry, the minor narrated that on 19 August 2026, while on an errand to grind maize at the residence of one Saleh Abdullahi, 35, the suspect lured her into his room and sexually assaulted her. The victim alleged that the suspect threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
The victim was immediately taken to hospital for medical examination, while the suspect has been arrested and is currently undergoing investigation. Upon conclusion of the investigation, he will be charged to court.
The CP reiterated his commitment to intelligence-led operations, collaboration with sister security agencies and community engagement. He urged Plateau residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding and to provide timely, credible information.
In a separate development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has issued cheques totalling N25,821,550.30 to 22 beneficiary family members of police personnel who lost their lives.
CP Faniyan, who presented the cheques to the beneficiaries on behalf of the IGP, said the gesture falls under the Police Life Insurance Scheme.
