In a significant operation aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal arms, operatives of the Nigerian Police Force from Zone 5 Headquarters have arrested two suspected gunrunners in Edo State. The arrests come as part of heightened security measures ordered by Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Arungwa Nwazue, responsible for the Edo and Delta zones, ahead of the upcoming Edo gubernatorial election.
According to DSP Tijani Momoh, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), the operation was conducted early Friday morning by the Zonal Intelligence Response Squad led by ASP Mohammed Usman. Acting on credible intelligence, the squad stormed Ileh community in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, where they apprehended the two suspects.
The raid resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of illegal firearms, including 30 locally fabricated guns—23 single-barrel and seven double-barrel—alongside one English-made double-barrel gun. Additionally, 13 live cartridges, a giant toolbox, and a drill machine used in the fabrication of the firearms were seized.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in selling and renting out these firearms to criminal elements such as kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists, who then used the weapons to terrorize the residents of Edo and surrounding areas.
AIG Nwazue has ordered a thorough investigation into the case, with the intention of prosecuting the suspects in court. DSP Momoh also urged citizens in both Edo and Delta states to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station as they continue with their lawful activities.
The operation underscores the police’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment as the state prepares for its upcoming election.
