Nigerian Police have recovered significant weaponry used in the deadly Yelewata community attack in Benue State, including eight AK-47 rifles and two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs).
Police Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi announced the weapons seizure during a TVC interview from 4:04, emphasizing that authorities expect to recover additional arms as investigations continue.
Adejobi detailed the substantial arsenal recovered from perpetrators of the Yelewata massacre. “We have been able to recover the arms used for the killings at Yelewata,” he said. “We have 8 AK-47 rifles and 2 GPMGs, and we are still going to have more. This is just the beginning, and we are pleased to inform Nigerians that we are going to make sure that we expand the scope of investigation to unravel so many things hidden concerning this.”
He identified that the recovery of such high-caliber weapons, particularly the GPMGs typically used in military operations, indicates the sophisticated nature of the criminal groups responsible for the attacks.
The police spokesperson revealed that authorities have detained 53 suspects in connection with recent killings across Nigeria, demonstrating the coordinated nature of law enforcement’s response to escalating violence. “In total, we have 53 suspects,” Adejobi explained. “We have 26 directly connected to the killing at Yelewata; we have 22 arrested in connection with the killing of people that were traveling in a bus and were killed in Mangu in Plateau state. And we have another five arrested in connection with the killing of two Kano residents that were traveling in a truck at Makurdi.”
Police operations continue under direct orders from the Inspector General of Police, with field teams maintaining their presence until all perpetrators are apprehended. “So, we are having 53 suspects altogether. So far, we are still going to do more,” Adejobi stated. “Our men are still on the field. The IGP has given them directives to remain there until they get all of them.”
The Police Public Relations Officer clarified that the recent arrests were not conducted based on mere accusations but followed comprehensive investigative procedures.
According to the Police PRO, the force has moved beyond traditional accusatorial policing methods, incorporating advanced forensic investigation techniques and scientific equipment to build cases against suspects. The spokesperson noted that this modern approach to criminal investigation ensures more reliable and defensible evidence collection.
The Police PRO revealed that the suspects in custody have provided confessional statements regarding their alleged involvement in the crimes. Additionally, the spokesperson confirmed that the scientific evidence gathered through forensic investigation supports these confessions, with the suspects not disputing the charges against them.
