Police arrest ‘two gunrunners’ in Edo, recover firearms

The Zone 5 police headquarters in Edo says two suspected gunrunners have been arrested in the state.

Tijani Momoh, the zonal police public relations officer (ZPPRO), said this in a statement on Saturday. 

Momoh added that Arungwa Nwazue, assistant inspector-general of police (AIG) overseeing the Edo and Delta zones, initiated the crackdown on illegal firearms. 

“Following the directive, at around 05:00hrs on Friday, a Zonal Intelligence Response Squad, led by ASP Mohammed Usman, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, raided the Ileh community in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state,” Momoh said.

“During the operation, two suspected gunrunners were successfully apprehended.

“The squad also recovered 30 locally fabricated firearms, which included 23 single-barrel guns, seven double-barrel guns, and one English-made double-barrel gun.

“In addition, 13 live cartridges, a giant toolbox, and a drill machine used for fabricating these illegal firearms were seized.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects were involved in the sale and rental of these firearms to kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists who use these weapons to terrorise the residents of Edo and surrounding areas.

“The AIG has mandated a comprehensive investigation into the matter, after which the suspects will be brought before a court for prosecution.”

Momoh added that the AIG urged residents of both states to remain vigilant. 

He said any suspicious behaviour or individuals should be reported to the nearest police station.