Police arrest two suspected gunrunners in Edo

Operatives from the Zone 5 Headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force have apprehended two individuals suspected of trafficking firearms in Edo.

DSP Tijani Momoh, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

According to Momoh, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police for the Edo and Delta zone, Arungwa Nwazue, had ordered a crackdown on illegal arms in preparation for the upcoming Edo gubernatorial election.

In response, on Friday at approximately 5:00 a.m., the Zonal Intelligence Response Squad, led by ASP Mohammed Usman, acted on reliable intelligence to raid the Ileh community in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.

During the operation, the squad arrested two suspected gunrunners and seized 30 locally made guns, including 23 single-barrel and seven double-barrel guns, along with one English-made double-barrel gun. Additionally, 13 live cartridges, a large toolbox, and a drill machine used for gun fabrication were recovered.

Initial investigations reveal that the suspects were involved in both selling and renting firearms to kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists, who used these weapons to terrorize residents in Edo and surrounding areas.

The AIG has ordered a thorough investigation, and the suspects will be prosecuted in court. Momoh urged law-abiding citizens in Edo and Delta states to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station.