The Plateau State Police Command has announced the arrest of six suspects in connection with alleged cattle rustling, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The arrests were disclosed on Friday by the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, during the official inauguration of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) at the police headquarters in Jos.
According to the police commissioner, the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the VCRU following extensive intelligence gathering and surveillance operations carried out by the command.
Ewah explained that the newly established unit was created based on directives issued by former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving public safety and strengthening crime response operations across Plateau State.
While addressing journalists, the commissioner revealed that one of the suspects, Yahuza Sale, was arrested in connection with a viral Facebook video allegedly capable of inciting fear and disturbing public peace.
According to him, detectives attached to the Pankshin Division acted swiftly after receiving intelligence reports linked to the suspect.
During interrogation, Sale reportedly confessed to participating in cattle rustling activities alongside another suspect identified as Victor Danladi, popularly known as Boka.
“The suspect, Mr Sale, reportedly told investigators they used locally made AK-47 rifles and revolvers during operations,” Ewah said.
The police commissioner further disclosed that members of the Intelligence Response Team later tracked down and arrested Danladi following the confession made by Sale.
Security operatives reportedly recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, three rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and a locally made pump-action firearm during the operation.
Ewah stated that investigations into the matter are still ongoing and assured that all suspects would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation process.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling insecurity, the police commissioner said the Plateau State Police Command would continue to prioritise proactive and intelligence-led policing while strengthening collaboration with local communities.
“The police cannot succeed alone. Provide credible information and we will act swiftly to protect you,” he said.
Speaking further during the inauguration of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Ewah urged residents of the state to cooperate with the police and build trust in the newly established unit.
“The VCRU is your unit. Its success depends on trust and cooperation between the police and the community,” he stated.
He explained that the unit was designed to provide faster, more professional, and more precise responses to violent crimes across the state.
According to him, the VCRU will operate under the supervision of a Civilian Oversight Board made up of traditional rulers, lawyers, civil society organisations, and human rights advocates to ensure transparency and accountability.
The commissioner also disclosed that officers assigned to the unit underwent extensive screening, specialised training, and operational preparation before deployment.
“Every officer selected has been prepared for operational excellence, disciplined conduct and unwavering respect for human rights,” he said.
He stressed that the unit’s mandate includes handling violent crime cases referred by the command for further investigation while maintaining professionalism and integrity in all operations.
Ewah further warned that acts of misconduct, abuse of power, or impunity would not be tolerated under his leadership.
