The Police Commissioner in Delta State, southern Nigeria, Mr. Wale Abass has solicited the support of the public in the fight to mop up illegal arms and ammunitions in the state.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of Delta State Command and Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr. Bright Edafe indicated that the commissioner made the call shortly after parading some suspected gangsters also referred to as cultists in Asaba, the state capital.
According to Edafe, “The Police Commissioner Wale Abass embraced the successes and tenacity of operatives in the execution of their duties, which has resulted to the arrest of five persons and seizure of different arms and ammunitions.
“The command recovered two (2) locally made cut-to-size guns, one AK-47 magazine loaded with five (5) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, three (3) rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, two (2) live cartridges, two (2) Vikings secret cult berets, and ten (10) wraps of weed suspected to be Indian Hemp,” the PPRO stated.
He further indicated, “The commissioner has called on the public to share information that would assist in the speedy eradication of illegal firearms and ammunitions in the state. He has also reminded those in possession of these firearms that the opportunity given by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun to return them to the nearest police station was still open.”
The police spokesperson indicated that the suspects and exhibits were in custody, while a manhunt was ongoing to apprehend other gang members.
He noted that the commissioner has reiterated zero tolerance for criminal activities as the season of Christmas celebration draws near and cautioned residents particularly the youths to shun all forms of gangsterism and other related vices, adding “The command will not relent in identifying, arresting, and bringing any perpetrator to justice.”
