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Security operatives in Anambra State have arrested nine suspects and recovered three AK-47 rifles, a pump-action gun, charms and other items during a stop-and-search operation in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area.
The Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
According to him, the suspects, comprising seven men and two women, were arrested in the early hours of Friday after a joint security team intercepted two vehicles at a checkpoint in the area.
The operation was conducted by the Joint Operation Base, Aguata, led by Chief Superintendent of Police, Austin Elaigwu, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Immigration Service. Operatives of the Agunechemba Security Outfit also participated.
The two vehicles intercepted were a custom-coloured Toyota Sienna and an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4.
A search of the vehicles led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, charms, and other items relevant to the investigation.
The suspects and recovered items have been taken into custody for questioning and further investigation.
The police said preliminary interrogation showed that the suspects claimed to be security operatives based in a neighbouring state.
However, they reportedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations about their identities, affiliations, possession of the firearms and the purpose of their movement into Anambra State.
The command said the circumstances surrounding their presence in the state and possession of the weapons were being investigated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, commended the joint security team for the operation and urged personnel to remain vigilant.
He attributed the recovery to intelligence-led policing and effective stop-and-search operations, and encouraged operatives to sustain efforts towards preventing crime and maintaining security across the state.
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