Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested three men for alleged illegal possession and trafficking of firearms in Obingwa Local Government Area.
The suspects — Nworu John (65), Chikezie Ubani (65), and Collins Ukandu (55) — were apprehended in the early hours of Thursday following “credible and actionable intelligence,” the police said.
Parading the suspects and recovered weapons at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed that seven assorted firearms and ammunition were seized from the suspects.
The recovered items include:
– Two automatic pump-action rifles
– Three locally-made double-barrel guns
– One single-barrel pump-action gun
– One locally-fabricated six-round revolver
– Four live cartridges
“The suspects are notorious gunrunners and are currently in custody undergoing interrogation. Investigation is ongoing and they will be charged to court upon conclusion,” Chinaka said in a statement issued on behalf of Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa.
The CP also used the occasion to reassure residents of adequate security throughout the Christmas and New Year festivities.
“In line with our sustained onslaught against crime, several dangerous weapons have been mopped up, suspects arrested and successfully prosecuted in recent months.
“Both overt and covert operational strategies have been emplaced across the state to guarantee a crime-free Yuletide. The Command remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property,” the statement added.
The police urged members of the public to continue providing timely and useful information that would help in preventing and detecting crime.
