August 15, (THEWILL) – The Benue State Police Command has arrested Daniel Kumaor Fachir, the second-in-Command to the late notorious gang leader, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as Ghana, along Adikpo-Ugbema road in Benue State
Parading the suspect at the Police Headquarters in Makurdi, on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Batholomew Nnamdi Onyeka, said the operation was carried out by Officers of Operation ZENDA JTF Tactical team of the Command.
He said further investigation led to the arrest of four other gang members; Torwuese Ashiekaa, Aondongu Aligbe, Terkula Wuhe, aka Oryughurt, and one Terhemba Sevav, a 47-year-old member of the gang from Adikpo Kwande, who specialises in fixing and manufacturing rifles for the gang.
The Police Commissioner listed items recovered from the suspects to include two AK-47 rifles, two other fabricated AK-47 rifles, two Beretta pistols in the process of fabrication, one double barrel gun loaded with 35 live cartridges, and 130 rounds of 7.62X 39mm live ammunition.
The CP, who disclosed that other suspects escaped from the scene, warned criminals and intending ones that he will not tolerate criminality in Benue State.
CP Onyeka, therefore, called on the people of Benue State to cooperate with the Police by giving useful and timely information that will assist the Command in tackling crime.
“A crime-free society makes room for sustainable development that can propel a State to greater heights, particularly our dear State that is endowed with so many resources.
“Benue State Police Command, under my watch, will not tolerate criminality of any kind. Having received a brief from my predecessor about activities of bandits and other criminals in the State, I have made up my mind to deploy all available human and material resources to rid the state of crime,” the CP said.
The Police Commissioner pointed out that this operation should serve as a warning to criminal elements, saying it is high time criminals embrace peace and enjoy freedom.
Speaking on the success of the operations over time, the Commander of Operations ZENDA, Justin Gberindyer, attributed it to the cooperation of members of the public that always volunteer credible information that leads to the arrest of criminals.
While commending the Inspector General of Police through the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, for creating an enabling environment for officers to operate, he assured the people of the State of their readiness to cause sleepless nights to criminals until they surrender.
One of the gang leaders, who confessed to a robbery case at Adikpo town of N120,000 after they were arrested, also said they gave the two AK-47s to one of their members for safekeeping, who was later arrested by the police team.
On his part, the gun manufacturer, Sevav Terhemba from Kwande Local Government Area, explained that he is into the business to earn a living irrespective of whether it is a gun or not.
