The Nigerian Police Force’s Zone Five Headquarters in Edo State has reported the arrest of two individuals suspected of engaging in gun-running activities.
News reports that the development was confirmed in an official statement issued by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tijani Momoh, in Abuja on Saturday.
As stated by Momoh, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Edo and Delta region, Arungwa Nwazue, has mandated a comprehensive operation to confiscate illegal firearms in anticipation of the upcoming Edo gubernatorial election.
The statement reads: “In line with the directive, on Friday, at about 05:00hrs, Zonal Intelligence Response Squad, led by ASP Mohammed Usman, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, stormed Ileh community in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of state.
“During the raid, the squad successfully arrested two suspected gunrunners.
“The operatives also recovered 30 locally fabricated guns, consisting of 23 single barrel and seven double barrel guns, as well as one English-made double barrel gun.
“13 live cartridges, a giant toolbox and a drill machine used for the fabrication of the illegal firearms were also recovered.
“Preliminary investigation into the case revealed that the suspects were in the business of selling and also renting out these firearms to kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists who then use these illegal weapons for their operations, terrorising the good people of Edo and its environs in the process.
“The AIG has ordered a comprehensive and thorough investigation into the case, after which the suspects will be arraigned in Court for prosecution.Continue To read>”
Momoh further said that the AIG wants all law-abiding citizens of both states to be vigilant as they go about their lawful activities and to report all suspicious activities and persons to the nearest police station.
