Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a patent medicine dealer, Ebireri Morisson, of Oviorie community in Isiokolo, Ethiope East Local Government Area, for allegedly being in possession of guns and ammunition.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, DSP Bright Edafe, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri.
According to the statement, the 40-year-old patent medicine dealer was nabbed on October 7, 2023, “following credible information” which prompted the operatives to storm the community.
“Upon searching the premises, one locally fabricated short gun, and one live cartridge were recovered”, the PPRO said.
He disclosed that the suspect is presently in custody while an investigation is ongoing into the matter.
In another development, the police spokesman stated that concerted efforts to rid Delta State of illicit firearms led to the arrest of another suspect in Asaba.
The PPRO explained that on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, while operatives of SACU were on a routine patrol along Cable Road, Asaba, they accosted a motorcyclist and his passenger, who upon sighting the patrol team hastily jumped down from the moving motorcycle and took to their heels.
“These suspects were given a hot chase, where one 27-year-old male suspect, Ifakachukwu Igwala from Kwale in Ndokwa-West LGA was arrested.
“The suspects were carrying a handbag, when the bag was searched one locally fabricated Beretta pistol, two 9mm live ammunition, one locally made single barrel shotgun, and one live cartridge were recovered.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect operates alongside his accomplice named Kelvin surname unknown (at large).
“The suspect is in custody and the effort to arrest his fleeing accomplice is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, has assured that the command has meticulously placed essential deployments and security measures for the ember months.
On that note, the CP said, officers and men are utmostly dedicated to keeping the peace, and implementing the laws while taking concrete steps to ensure accountability, transparency, and maximal professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Consequently, the police boss urged the public to never hesitate to notify the Command through the Control Room Numbers 08036684974, 08125958005, 09053872287 or the PRO Office 09155570007, 09155570008, assuring that all received information will be treated with a high level of confidentiality.