Police Arrest Three Suspected Armed Robbers, Recover 34 Stolen Phones in Benue
In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement in Benue State, police operatives have arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered 34 assorted mobile phones along with other stolen items. The arrests took place on August 31, 2025, during a routine stop-and-search operation at Orokam Junction along Obollo Afor Road. The suspects, all residents of Mararaba and Nyanya in Abuja, confessed to being part of a robbery gang that has been terrorizing the Orokam community in Benue State and parts of neighboring Enugu State. This operation underscores the Benue State Police Command’s ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities in the region, with the Commissioner of Police commending the patrol team for their swift action.
The incident highlights the persistent challenge of armed robbery in Nigeria’s North-Central region, where gangs often cross state lines to carry out their crimes. As investigations continue, authorities are working with police commands in Enugu and Gombe States to apprehend a suspect at large and identify the owners of the recovered items. The arrests come amid a series of similar operations across the country, but this one stands out for the volume of stolen goods recovered.
Details of the Arrests
The Benue State Police Command announced the arrests on September 12, 2025, through its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet. The operation was conducted by operatives from the Orokam Police Division around 5:05 PM on August 31. During the stop-and-search, officers intercepted a vehicle carrying three men who appeared suspicious. Upon searching the suspects and their bag, the police discovered 34 assorted mobile phones of different brands, three HP laptops, and two MP3 players—all suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The suspects were identified as Mujahid Mohammed, aged 21; Yahaya Abdullahi, aged 21; and Kalipha Mohammad, aged 28. All three hail from Mararaba and Nyanya areas in Abuja, indicating the interstate nature of their operations. No weapons were mentioned in the initial recovery, but the police have since launched a full investigation into their activities.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of an armed robbery gang. They admitted to terrorizing the Orokam community in Benue and extending their operations to communities in Enugu State. Specifically, they revealed involvement in robbing six flats in the Umukasi area and ten flats in St. Theresa’s area, both in Enugu State. These confessions have provided crucial leads for further arrests and recovery of additional stolen items.
The police spokesperson emphasized that the suspects’ activities had created fear among residents, with multiple reports of break-ins and thefts linked to the gang. Efforts are underway to trace the owners of the recovered phones, laptops, and MP3 players, as many of the items are believed to have been stolen from victims in both Benue and Enugu.
The Suspects and Their Operations
Mujahid Mohammed and Yahaya Abdullahi, both 21 years old, and Kalipha Mohammad, 28, are described as key members of the gang. Their base in Abuja suggests they used the Federal Capital Territory as a hub to plan and execute cross-border robberies. Orokam, a border community in Benue State near Enugu, has been a hotspot for such crimes due to its proximity to major highways like the Obollo Afor Road, which facilitates quick escapes.
According to police statements, the gang targeted residential areas, breaking into flats to steal valuables like mobile phones, laptops, and electronics. The recovery of 34 phones alone indicates the scale of their operations, potentially affecting dozens of victims. The suspects’ confessions point to a pattern of armed robberies, though no firearms were recovered in this specific arrest. Investigations are ongoing to determine if they used weapons in previous incidents and to identify accomplices.
One suspect at large remains unidentified, and the Benue Police Command is collaborating with counterparts in Enugu and Gombe States to track him down. This interstate cooperation is crucial, as the gang’s activities spanned multiple jurisdictions. DSP Edet noted that the command is committed to prosecuting all involved after due investigation.
Police Response and Commissioner’s Statement
Commissioner of Police Emenari Ifeanyi, mnips, psc, PhD, praised the Orokam patrol team for their vigilance during the stop-and-search. In a statement, he reaffirmed the Benue State Police Command’s dedication to eradicating criminal elements from the state. “The swift action of the patrol team is commendable, and we will continue to deploy resources to ensure the safety of our communities,” CP Ifeanyi said.
The command has intensified patrols along border areas like Orokam Junction to prevent similar crimes. This arrest is part of a broader strategy to tackle armed robbery, which has seen a rise in Benue and neighboring states due to economic hardships and porous borders. The police have urged residents to report suspicious activities and provide information on the suspect at large.
Broader Context: Armed Robbery in Benue and Nigeria
Benue State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has faced increasing challenges from armed robbery and banditry in recent years. Communities like Orokam, near the Enugu border, are particularly vulnerable due to their strategic location along major transport routes. Similar incidents have been reported in nearby states, such as the recent arrest of three suspected robbers in Kano who recovered a stolen vehicle from an Abuja robbery.
Nationally, armed robbery remains a significant security threat. The Nigeria Police Force has recorded thousands of cases annually, with mobile phones being a common target due to their high resale value in black markets. Efforts like community policing and intelligence sharing have led to successes like this one, but challenges persist, including underfunding and limited resources.
In a related development in Ogun State, police arrested a suspect named Ajibola Joseph, alias “Dejavoo,” for a series of burglaries and armed robberies, recovering stolen items worth N1.5 million. These arrests demonstrate a proactive approach by law enforcement, but experts call for more investment in technology and training to combat organized crime.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
Residents of Orokam and surrounding areas have welcomed the arrests, expressing relief on social media and local forums. Many commended the police for their quick response, with some sharing stories of past robberies in the community. “This is good news; we’ve been living in fear for months,” one local told reporters.
The suspects are currently in custody at the Orokam Police Division. Further investigations will focus on verifying their confessions, recovering more stolen goods, and apprehending the fugitive. Once completed, they will be charged to court for armed robbery and related offenses under the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, which carries severe penalties including life imprisonment.
The Benue State Police Command has appealed to the public for continued cooperation in providing tips to enhance security. As the investigation progresses, this case could lead to the dismantling of a larger robbery network operating across state lines.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Safer Communities
The arrest of three suspected armed robbers and the recovery of 34 stolen phones in Benue State marks a vital win for the police in their fight against crime. With the suspects’ confessions revealing a gang’s reign of terror across Benue and Enugu, this operation not only recovers valuable items but also restores some confidence in law enforcement. As collaborations with neighboring states intensify, Benue residents hope for more such successes. The command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminals is clear, but sustained efforts are needed to address the root causes of armed robbery. Stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to keep communities safe.