The Nigerian Police Force has reported significant operational breakthroughs in Edo and Delta states, arresting suspects and recovering stolen vehicles, arms, and other properties. In Edo, a 50-year-old man, Nicholas Nusa, was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing and impregnating a minor. An AK-47 rifle, a Beretta pistol, and ammunition were also recovered in separate operations. The police command arrested 10 suspects for various violent crimes within the past week and neutralized one suspected kidnapper.
The Edo police intervention followed information on September 12 about the alleged abduction of five female children from the Ibillo/Imoga axis of Akoko-Edo Local Council. Preliminary investigation revealed that the children had been sexually abused, and one of them became pregnant and went into early labor. The victim reportedly lost the baby after surgery. The police said the children had been reunited with their families and that the suspect would be charged in court after investigation.
In another case, operatives arrested Sunday Irabor at Efe Classic Crown Hotel, near Oluku Market, and recovered three mobile phones, a Samsung tablet, wristwatch, and cash in naira and dollars. The police also arrested a driver allegedly involved in the theft of a Toyota Camry and recovered the vehicle in Warri, Delta State. Similarly, operatives at Iguobazuwa recovered a Toyota Corolla allegedly stolen from Lagos and being taken to Port Harcourt for sale, and arrested the driver, 21-year-old Ahmed Musa Abubakar.
The Edo police command also recovered a Beretta pistol and 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition from a residence in Ovbiogie community and arrested two suspects. In another incident, a 32-year-old man, Mohammed Manfred Abdulramah, was arrested along the Auchi-Okene Expressway for allegedly impersonating a military officer. Police said he was found wearing military camouflage and allegedly stole the uniform from a Navy officer.
In Delta state, the police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said five suspects were arrested during separate operations on September 19, with four locally made single-barrelled guns, a live cartridge, three vehicles, and three motorcycles recovered. At Orerokpe, police and members of the Civilian Anti-Cult group, Osubi, intercepted two Toyota Sienna vehicles, and a 45-year-old suspect, Lawrence Onowenakpo, was arrested after the occupants allegedly fled.
A subsequent search of a scrap yard in Warri allegedly yielded three motorcycles, 22 air-conditioners, 13 washing machines, 29 motorcycle and tricycle engines, musical equipment, television sets, a generator, and a laptop. Police said preliminary investigation indicated possible links between the suspected group and recent armed robbery incidents in Kwale and Warri, while efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing suspects.
The police commands in Edo and Delta states said investigations were ongoing and urged residents to provide credible information to assist the police in tackling violent crime. The arrests and recoveries demonstrate the police force's efforts to combat crime and restore security in the regions.
Key points
- The Nigerian Police Force arrested multiple suspects and recovered stolen vehicles and arms in Edo and Delta states.
- The arrests were made for various crimes, including armed robbery, sexual abuse, and impersonation.
- The police commands urged residents to provide credible information to assist in tackling violent crime.
