Police Arrest Gunrunners, Recover Firearms

Ahead of the Edo State gubernatorial election, the operatives of the Zone Five Headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force have arrested two suspected gunrunners in the State.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tijani Momoh, revealed that the arrest was part of a directive from the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Edo and Delta zone, Arungwa Nwazue.

The AIG had ordered a thorough mop-up of illegal arms within his jurisdiction as preparations for the gubernatorial election intensified.

Momoh said, “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 cathdriges, a giant tool box 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.

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“The AIG has ordered for a comprehensive and thorough investigation into the case, after which the suspects will be arraigned in Court for prosecution.”