Plateau Police Command Detains Armed Robbery Suspects Targeting Bassa Communities

Swift Police Action Leads to Arrests Following Violent Robbery

The Plateau State Police Command has successfully apprehended three individuals suspected of orchestrating a series of armed robberies that have plagued communities within Bassa Local Government Area. The suspects-identified as Jafaru Sale, Abdulsalam Adam, and Mamuda Musa-were taken into custody after allegedly assaulting cattle traders and seizing approximately ₦1.9 million, the proceeds from the sale of livestock.

Details of the Incident and Police Response

During a press conference held at the Police Headquarters in Jos on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina provided insights into the investigation. He emphasized that the arrests underscore the dedication of the police force, bolstered by the cooperation of local residents and other security agencies.

On August 13, 2025, at around 5:00 PM, the police received a distress report from three male victims-Abubakar Mohammadu, Nasiru Umar, and Haruna Mohammed-residents of Kishika area in Binchin Village, Bassa LGA. The victims recounted that on the night of July 27, 2025, at approximately 10:00 PM, while returning from Bukuru Cattle Market after selling three cows, they were ambushed by armed assailants wielding a homemade firearm.

Stolen Items and Evidence Recovered

The assailants reportedly made off with cash amounts of ₦600,000, ₦418,000, and ₦900,000 from the victims, totaling ₦1,918,000. In addition to the money, the robbers took a Tecno T528 mobile phone, two knives, an Itel phone, and three walking sticks.

Investigation and Ongoing Efforts

Following the report, detectives from the Bassa Division promptly launched an operation that culminated in the arrest of the three suspects. Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted responsibility for multiple armed robberies in Bassa and neighboring Jengre communities. The case is currently under thorough investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and will be prosecuted upon completion.

In a related development, on August 18, 2025, officers from Langtang South Division executed a search warrant at the residence of a suspect named Kokyak from Mabudi. Although the individual had absconded, authorities recovered a locally fabricated rifle with an empty magazine. Efforts to locate and apprehend Kokyak are ongoing.

Community Collaboration and Police Commitment to Security

Commissioner Adesina extended gratitude to the media and citizens for their vital role in maintaining peace through accurate and timely reporting. He acknowledged the invaluable support from the Plateau State government and residents, particularly in providing intelligence that aids law enforcement operations.

He reassured the public that the Police Command remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to restore and sustain peace across Plateau State. To enhance community engagement, the Police Public Relations Officer has been instructed to disseminate active response contact numbers for the Command’s management team, divisional officers, and tactical commanders, enabling citizens to report emergencies promptly.