Bandit’s Arrest With Alleged Govt Firearms Raises Concerns

• Confession indicates bandits heading to Zamfara, not Jos

BY AHMED TUKUR, LAFIA – Less than 72 hours following the arrest of notorious bandit, Likita Abubakar in Nasarawa State, a lot of dust is being raised about how over 53 magazines and live rounds of ammunition allegedly belonging to government security agencies found their way into his hands.

Also contrary to social media speculations that Likita was on his way to Jos, with plans to further heighten tension in the already apprehensive security situation on the Plateau, confirmed reports said the suspect was actually on his way to Tsafe in Zamfara state to deliver the arms as stated in his confession during interrogation by security operatives.

A video clip of the Likita being interrogated by security operatives reveals that he was conveying the items back to Zamfara where he came from when nemesis caught up with him in Akwanga.

Consequently, the development has continued to raise public anxiety with many urging the security agencies to undertake a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to Likita being in possession of the firearms.

In a video obtained by Forefront, a security operative was heard asking Likita where he got ammunition and Magazines belonging to the government. And in his reply, Likita told the operatives that he was hired by one Bala to collect the arms and deliver the package to Tsafe in Zamfara State.

“I am also from Tsafe and Bala, who is also from Guzuma in Tsafe, asked me to come and collect the arms and take them to his house in Tsafe”, he said

The 35-year-old Likita was arrested by a joint patrol team of Police and FRSC, at ERCC Hospital junction, in Alushi, Akwanga. Riding on his motorbike, he was intercepted when the ammunition fell on the road on his way to the filling station to refuel.

An eyewitness told Forefront that Likita, was confused and hit a car when he sighted security operatives and the items fell on the road.

“Immediately, he stood up and started running, youths in the vicinity ran after him and arrested him. They brought him back when they discovered he was carrying arms, they gave him the beating of his life, burnt his motorcycle, before security men rescued him” the source said.

Meanwhile, a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Nasarawa state, ASP Rahman Nansel, which confirmed the arrest, said 53 empty magazines, 260 rounds of live ammunition, and the sum of N38,500 cash, were recovered from the suspect.

The Police spokesperson said; “On 21/8/2021 at about 0900hrs, sequel to information received which indicated that a suspected criminal who has been on the wanted list of the Nasarawa State Police Command for offences ranging from Armed robbery to Kidnapping was sighted at Alushi Junction, Akwanga LGA, Nasarawa State, a detachment of Police operatives attached to Akwanga Division were immediately deployed to the area.

“Consequently, one Likita Abubakar ‘M’ 35 years was arrested; upon diligent and systematic search, 53 empty magazines, 260 rounds of live ammunition and a cash sum of N38,500 was recovered from him as exhibits.”

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Adesina Soyemi has ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia for a thorough investigation”, ASP Nansel said.