Edo guber: Police arrest ‘political thugs’, recover firearms during overnight raids

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says operatives arrested two suspected political thugs and seized firearms during overnight raids in Edo — as the governorship election in the state gets under way.

In a statement on Saturday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the arrests and seizures were made following a tip-off.

“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to curb electoral violence in Edo State with the arrest of two political thugs, namely: Edwin Obanor, 43-year-old and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko, Edo,” the statement reads.

“Upon searching the bags in their possession, three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols were discovered on Obanor, while one locally made gun was recovered from Tajudeen.

“These arrests are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

“The police and other supporting security agencies will not tolerate any form of violence or disorderliness during the election in Edo State.

“The suspects are currently in custody and will face the full weight of the law.

“The police reassure the public of its dedication to protecting lives and property and, therefore, urges citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via our published helplines.”

17 political parties are battling for the votes of 2.2 million electorates in the election.