Police command in Ekiti state said it has arrested 12 crime suspects and recovered about 15 local and assorted rifles from them.
Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Chafe, stated this on Saturday while parading some suspects arrested in connection with criminal activities in the state adding that this was part of the efforts to rid the state of criminal elements ahead of the July 14 governorship election in the state.
The police boss said the effort was also part of the ways to stop proliferation of arms in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris that all the 37 commands should commence arms mop up in their respective states.
The police boss warned his men against partisanship in the coming governorship election, saying any police found taking side in the electoral process would be dealt with.
While warning politicians against gun running or breeding of thugs to disrupt the peace of the state under the guise of election, the commissioner threatened that any politician caught in such act would be sued in line with the relevant laws.
Those paraded were Ojo Tosin, Patrick Charles and Omoleewo Blessing for stealing and shop breaking while Ajayi Kehinde, Obafemi Oke, Ahmed Yunusa, Daniel Oluwafemi were arrested for alleged robbery and cultism.
Also Seun Ajetomobi and Kolawole Julius were arrested for alleged case of burglary and stealing.
The police boss alleged that two assorted rifles, Pump Action Guns, Pistols, Dane guns, Charms, stolen property, axe, among others, we’re recovered from them.
Chafe added, “We want people to give us the usual cooperation as we enter into a critical period, I mean election time. By April, electioneering process will begin to hot up and political party will commence campaigns and it will be dangerous to allow people to carry arms illegally.
“We enjoin associations, NGOs, judiciary and other stakeholders to give helping hands. I have told my men that they should be fair to all parties in this election time, they must not be partisan. They should be seen to be fair .
“The arms mop up operation has just begun. We are stepping up efforts across the 16 local governments in Ekiti, so our people must be careful and they must help us with relevant information”,
