Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested a 68-year-old man and his son for allegedly possessing four single-barrel guns along the Igbogene–Tombia Expressway in Yenagoa.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the suspects, identified as Tibi Friday, 68, of Futoro Gbene Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area, and his 36-year-old son, Oyabrade Tibi, were arrested during a routine stop-and-search operation by officers attached to the Anti-Vice Unit at about 10:30 a.m. on July 6.
The police said the duo were travelling in a commercial tricycle to Abua in neighbouring Rivers State when the vehicle was intercepted for a search.
During the operation, officers allegedly recovered four single-barrel guns concealed inside a sack and covered with sticks in what investigators suspect was an attempt to avoid detection.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command under the leadership of CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor has recorded another significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of two suspects in possession of four single-barrel guns.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yenagoa, for discreet investigation to ascertain the source of the firearms and identify any other persons connected with the offence.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal firearms and other violent crimes across the state. The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with credible and timely information that will aid ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and security.”
The police said preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the firearms and whether other individuals are linked to the alleged offence.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yenagoa for further investigation.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to curbing the spread of illegal firearms and other violent crimes across the state, while urging residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.