By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has made significant strides in strengthening national security and combating organized crime, achieving remarkable success in curbing gunrunning and substantially reducing the spread of illicit firearms and ammunition nationwide.
According to a statement issued on Monday, by the Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, one of these significant achievements is the arrest of 8 suspects belonging to a gunrunning syndicate operating within Plateau State and its environs.
The suspects identified as Joseph Tara, Victor Ali Pam, Abua Yusuf, Bako Isa, Salamatu Iliya, Solomon Gbarale, Musa Arine, and Bitrus Chung, were arrested after credible intelligence had led operatives of the FID-IRT to the first suspect and consequently led the operatives to the discovery of a large cache of arms concealed inside a vehicle doormat belonging to the syndicate.
The exhibits recovered during this operation includes: 12 rounds of 7.88mm live ammunitions, 8 Fabricated AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated revolver guns, 4 fabricated semi-automatic pistols, 11 AK47 magazines, and 1105 live AK47 ammunition.
The operatives of the FID-IRT also arrested one Amos Sunday Gyang at Plateau State in possession of a semi-automatic pistol he claimed to have found hidden inside a cushion of an apartment he had rented.
According to the suspect, he neither reported the discovery to the relevant authorities nor took any step to surrender the weapon, but kept the weapon for intentions known to him.
The statement said: “Members of the public should be aware that it is a crime to be found in possession of a weapon without proper licensing.
“In the case of discovering any weapon, citizens should ensure to notify the police and avoid any sort of implication.
The Nigeria Police Force, led by Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding lives and property, utilizing all necessary resources to combat security threats effectively. This commitment underscores the force’s primary objective of maintaining law and order, protecting citizens, and preventing crimes.
