The Zone Five Headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force has announced the arrest of two individuals suspected of illegal arms trading in Edo State.
The arrests were made as part of a larger effort to seize illegal firearms ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, this development was revealed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tijani Momoh, in Abuja.
According to Momoh, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Edo and Delta zone, Arungwa Nwazue, had instructed a crackdown on illegal arms as the election date approaches.
“In line with the directive, on Friday at about 05:00hrs, the Zonal Intelligence Response Squad, led by ASP Mohammed Usman, acted on credible and actionable intelligence,” Momoh stated.
“The squad stormed Ileh community in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state and successfully apprehended two suspected gunrunners.”
During the operation, the police reportedly recovered a cache of 30 locally fabricated guns, including 23 single-barrel and seven double-barrel guns, along with an English-made double-barrel gun.
Additionally, they seized 13 live cartridges, a large toolbox, and a drill machine allegedly used to manufacture the illegal firearms.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were involved in the sale and rental of these weapons to criminal groups such as kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists.
“These criminals then use the illegal weapons to terrorise the good people of Edo and its environs,” Momoh added.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the case, with the suspects expected to be charged in court upon its completion.
“The AIG has directed a comprehensive and thorough investigation into the case, after which the suspects will be arraigned in court for prosecution,” Momoh said.
He also urged residents of Edo and Delta States to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station as they go about their lawful activities.
