Police arrest two for ‘possession of firearms’ in Imo

The police command in Imo says it has arrested two persons for possession of firearms in the state. 

On Monday, Henry Okoye, the command’s spokesperson, said four persons were arrested by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) for various offences.

He identified the suspected criminals as Jamilu Monday (m, 29), Dantala Musa, (m, 25), Ihechi Favour (f, 20) and Bright Chimezie ( m, 18).

Okoye added that they were arrested by police officers acting on an intelligence-led stop and search along Bishop’s court road and Naze Junction, in Owerri, the state’s capital.

 “On Monday, 5/02/2024 at about 0900hrs, eagle-eyed operatives of the command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) while on intelligence-led stop and search along Bishop’s Court Road, Owerri, intercepted a minibus with reg no. KED 364XA and arrested two suspects namely; Jamilu Monday ‘m’ 29yrs, and Dantala Musa ‘m’, 25yrs, who were unlawfully in possession of one locally made cut-to-size gun and ten rounds of live cartridges neatly concealed in their bag,” he said.

“Similarly, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Squad, on same day, nabbed two suspects namely; Ihechi Favour, ‘m’, 20 yrs, and Bright Chimezie, ‘m’, 18 years, who were unlawfully in possession of two fabricated guns, an axe, and sharp iron object, while on intensive stop and search at Naze Junction, along Aba road.

“The suspects will be arraigned in court with the appropriate criminal charge upon completion of a comprehensive investigation.”

Last month, gunmen killed two police officers on stop and search duty at Ohii junction, in Owerri-west LGA of the state.

A witness had said the police officers were caught unawares by the gunmen, who killed them before they could mount any defence.

“Two policemen have just been shot dead by unknown gunmen. Three other civilians, including a POS operator, were also shot dead,” the witness said.