Police authorities in Anambra State have recovered a six-round, English-made pistol during a stop-and-search operation conducted by officers of the Rapid Response Squad, Nnewi Sector, in collaboration with the Police Mobile Force (PMF) 54.
The state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this on Sunday, stating that the joint team recovered the firearm on Saturday evening during a visibility patrol in the Nnewi North metropolis.
He explained that the officers stopped two men travelling on a Tiger 150 motorcycle without a registration number. The suspects, identified as 33-year-old Ekwulugo Chiemierie Joseph and 29-year-old Enyiobi Geoffrey Somtochukwu, were searched, leading to the discovery of the pistol.
“They were immediately taken into custody and are currently assisting the Police with the ongoing investigation.
“The Command is working to establish how the suspects came to possess the firearm, where it was obtained, and what it was intended for.
“Investigators are also looking into other circumstances surrounding the recovery and whether there are any further links that may assist the investigation,” he said.
Ikenga added that Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, described the recovery as a demonstration of the importance of maintaining police visibility and conducting well-coordinated stop-and-search operations as part of the Command’s intelligence-led and community-based policing strategy.
“Such operations are particularly important in identifying and disrupting the movement of firearms and other dangerous weapons that can be used to facilitate violent crimes.
“We assure residents of Nnewi and Ndi Anambra that the Command will continue to sustain proactive patrols, intelligence-led operations and strategic stop-and-search activities across the State.
“We call on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide the Police with credible information concerning suspicious persons, movements or activities within their communities.
“The Command appreciates the continued support and cooperation of Ndi Anambra and reiterates its commitment to working with the public to keep the State safe,” he added.
