The Plateau State Police Command on Monday announced the arrest of 178 individuals suspected of being involved in a range of criminal activities, including cultism, kidnapping, human trafficking, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and armed robbery.
Among those arrested, 118 suspects were apprehended on July 7, a date associated with cult celebrations and initiations, the remaining 60 individuals were arrested for other crimes.
Most of these arrests were related to cultism.
During a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Jos, the state capital, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina provided these details.
He emphasized the effectiveness of the Command’s strategies and the efficient use of resources in maintaining peace in the state.
“Through the multifaceted strategies employed by the Command and the prudent utilization of human and material resources, we have been able to sustain the prevailing peace being experienced today on the Plateau,” Adesina stated.
He also highlighted his efforts to promote peaceful coexistence by holding several stakeholder meetings with representatives from troubled Local Government Areas.
The Command has implemented intensive patrols, raided criminal hideouts, and maintained visible policing to achieve these recent successes.
“Based on credible intelligence, I ordered the raiding of an apartment suspected to be a hideout for a cult syndicate,” he said.
Following information revealed by these suspects, additional raids were conducted around Farin Gada, leading to the arrest of Chilebo Moses, 19, from Benue State. Moses is identified as the Second in Command (Chief Priest) of the Aye Confraternity. He was apprehended alongside Somto Chukwu, 35, Chinedu Ede, 50, and Elizabeth Kabiru, 42, all suspected facilitators of cult activities.
The Commissioner also discussed the arrest of a child trafficking suspect. On July 14, 2024, the Command arrested Peace John, 20, from Bukuru Low Cost, for her involvement in human trafficking.
The victims, who had been rescued from Ghana and repatriated to Nigeria, identified John as the person who trafficked them to Ghana for sexual exploitation. An investigation is ongoing, and the case will be charged to court upon conclusion.
Adesina concluded by stating that all suspects are still under investigation and will be charged in court upon the completion of the investigation.
