The Benue State Police Command has apprehended eight individuals for their alleged involvement in multiple armed robbery cases across the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Makurdi, the State Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, revealed that the suspected leader of the highway robbery gang, 29-year-old Terhemba Dabo, alias ‘Kough,’ was arrested on December 2 along the Makurdi-Lafia road following intelligence reports.
Dabo, who hails from Udei in Guma Local Government Area, had been on the police wanted list for a long time. He was captured in his hideout near the International Market area in Makurdi.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of seven other gang members from Udei, including Kwaghve Asemapav, Aondonenga Awarga, Nongun Mbakuugh, Nomsoo Rapheal, Kpaver Godwin, Joseph Jimeshio, and Desen Kaashima.
The police recovered several items from the suspects’ hideout, including a G-3 rifle, camouflage uniforms, a bulletproof jacket, a police uniform, boots, a beret, and a carved wooden rifle.
The suspects reportedly confessed to the crimes, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend other gang members still at large.
Commissioner Yabanet warned criminals to cease their activities or leave the state, emphasizing the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order. He assured the public that the suspects would be prosecuted after the investigation is completed.