Edo poll: Police arrest two political thugs, recover firearms

The Nigeria Police Force said its personnel has arrested two political thugs during an overnight raid at some locations across Edo State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a press statement on Saturday.

Adejobi stated that three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols and one locally made gun were recovered from the suspects.

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He said, “The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to curb electoral violence in Edo State with the arrest of two political thugs, namely: Edwin Obanor, 43-year-old and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old Peoples Democratic Party member from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko, Edo.

“Acting on a tip-off that some individuals had been armed to cause mayhem and instability during the election on Saturday, the police operatives swooped into action and apprehended Obanor, a leader of an armed group, at Oredo Ward 4 at about 9pm and Audu Tajudeen at Igara Akoko, Edo, on the eve of the election.

“Upon searching the bags in their possession, three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols were discovered on Obanor while one locally made gun was recovered from Tajudeen.”

He said the arrests are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process during Saturday’s governorship election across the state.

“These arrests are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

“The police and other supporting security agencies will not tolerate any form of violence or disorderliness during the election in Edo State,” he added.

He said that the suspects are currently in custody and will face the full weight of the law.

“The police reassure the public of its dedication to protecting lives and property and, therefore, urges citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via our published helplines,” the statement added.