Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested three suspected gun runners and recovered a cache of firearms during an operation in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were identified as Nworu John, 65; Chikezie Ubani, 65; and Collins Ukandu, 55.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, announced the development in a statement, saying the arrests followed “credible and actionable intelligence” that led operatives to the suspects’ hideout.
She said the exhibits recovered from the suspects include two automatic pump-action guns, three locally-made double-barrel guns, one single-barrel pump-action gun, one locally fabricated six-round revolver, and four live cartridges. She added that interrogation and detailed investigation had commenced.
“In furtherance of the Command’s sustained efforts to ensure the protection of lives and property before, during and after the Yuletide season, arms have been recovered, suspects have been arraigned for various crimes and successfully prosecuted in court. covert and overt operational strategies are firmly in place to ensure continued security in the State,” he said.
The statement also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, as assuring residents that the Command will sustain its crackdown on criminal activities across the state.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or security threats to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines.