Plateau police arrest six suspects over cattle rustling, recover firearms 

Plateau State Police Command has announced the arrest of six criminal suspects in connection with alleged cattle rustling, criminal conspiracy and possession of illegal firearms.

The State Police Commissioner, CP Bassey Ewah who disclosed this on Friday, said the arrests were made by the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, of the command following intense monitoring and intelligence gathering by operatives.

While parading the suspects at the Command headquarters in Jos during the formal inauguration of the VCRU, the Police Commissioner said the unit was established following directives of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, with the initiative aligning with the police mandate to protect lives and property across Plateau State.

While briefing newsmen, the Police chief said one suspect, Yahuza Sale, was arrested over a viral Facebook video “allegedly capable of inciting fear and public unrest.” 

He stated that detectives from the Pankshin Division arrested Sale immediately after receiving intelligence reports and during interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in cattle rustling alongside one Victor Danladi, also known as Boka.

“The suspect, Mr Sale, reportedly told investigators they used locally made AK-47 rifles and revolvers during operations,” Ewah said.

“The Intelligence Response Team later arrested Danladi following Mr Sale’s confession. Police recovered two locally made AK-47 rifles, three rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and one locally made pump-action gun. Investigations were ongoing and suspects would be charged after their completion.

“Under my leadership, the Plateau Police Command remains committed to proactive, intelligence-driven policing and community partnership.

“The police cannot succeed alone. Provide credible information and we will act swiftly to protect you.”

The Police Commissioner who also used the occasion to formally inaugurate the VCRU called on residents of the state to trust the unit and cooperate with the force to stamp out crime.

“The VCRU is your unit. Its success depends on trust and cooperation between the police and the community,” he said.

“The inauguration of the Violent Crime Response Unit today fulfils the I-G’s directive for a force that is professional, humane, accountable and effective.

“This unit answers growing demands for faster, more precise and professional responses to violent crime,” he said, adding that the VCRU would operate under a Civilian Oversight Board comprising traditional rulers, civil society groups, lawyers and human rights advocates,” he said. 

He said officers underwent intensive screening, selection and specialised training before deployment.

“Every officer selected has been prepared for operational excellence, disciplined conduct and unwavering respect for human rights.

“Their mandate is to confront violent crimes referred to them by the command for further investigation.

“We are equipping them to act with speed, precision and integrity because justice delayed and justice abused are both justice denied.

“Impunity, misconduct and abuse of power will not be tolerated under my watch,” Ewah said.