Edo police arrest suspect after recovering 36 live cartridges during a stop-and-search operation in Benin City

Officers of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 36-year-old suspect after recovering 36 rounds of live cartridges during a routine stop-and-search operation in Benin City.

Also read: Edo police nab suspected cultists, recover arms

The spokesperson for the command, CSP Moses Yamu, said in a statement issued on Thursday that the arrest followed an operation carried out by officers attached to the Ikpoba Hill Area Command at Guobadia Junction along the Benin–Auchi Road.

According to the statement, the officers intercepted a mini bus conveying seven passengers from the Benin–Auchi Bypass to Ring Road in Benin City at about 1pm on May 23.

The police said three male passengers suddenly abandoned their belongings and attempted to flee the scene after the vehicle was stopped for inspection.

The officers reportedly pursued the fleeing passengers and successfully apprehended one of the suspects identified as Richard Gabriel from Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.

A search conducted on the suspect’s bag allegedly led to the recovery of 36 rounds of live cartridges concealed inside the luggage.

The Edo police arrest suspect operation was described by the command as another major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to tackle violent crime and illegal possession of arms across the state.

Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika commended the vigilance and professionalism of the officers involved in the operation, describing their swift response as commendable.

Monday Agbonika also reassured residents that the command remained resolute in combating crime and protecting lives and property throughout Edo State.

The police said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing suspects and determine the source and intended use of the recovered ammunition.

The latest arrest comes amid intensified security operations across parts of southern Nigeria targeting armed robbery, cultism and illegal arms trafficking.

Earlier this year, the Delta State Police Command recovered firearms and illicit drugs during a clampdown on criminal activities across the state during the festive period.

Also read: Edo Police arrest man over fake kidnapping, gambling loss

The Delta command also announced the arrest of a robbery suspect alongside the recovery of guns and ammunition in Ughelli North Local Government Area.