The Anambra Police Command has arrested a suspect, Okechukwu Igwegbe, for allegedly possessing a pump-action gun and 11 live cartridges. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect was arrested on September 18 by operatives of the command's Tactical Team, led by Ezekiel Imoh. The arrest was made following credible intelligence received by the command concerning the suspect's alleged possession of the firearm and ammunition.
The PPRO disclosed that operatives recovered one pump-action firearm and 11 live cartridges from the suspect during the operation. The recovered firearm and ammunition have been secured as exhibits and are undergoing further investigation. Ikenga stated that the suspect had so far declined to make a statement to the police regarding the matter. The police are working to establish the provenance of the firearm and ammunition and determine the circumstances surrounding their possession.
The investigation will include appropriate forensic examination and ballistic tracing of the recovered firearm, where applicable. The ammunition will be verified, and other available evidence will also be assessed. Investigators will review relevant intelligence and interview persons who might possess useful information about the matter. They will also pursue other lawful leads to establish the source, movement, and possible use of the recovered firearm.
The suspect, Okechukwu Igwegbe, was arrested in Uruagu, Nnewi, in Anambra State. The police have not provided information on the source of the firearm and ammunition or the circumstances surrounding their possession. Ikenga stated that the command wishes to state that the investigation is continuing through other lawful and independent means.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Nnanna Ama, commended the operatives for their vigilance and intelligence-led intervention. Ama reiterated the command's commitment to disrupting the circulation of illegal firearms and ammunition through intelligence-led policing. He urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information to the police and other security agencies.
Ama stated that such information remained vital to preventing crime and protecting communities. The police are working to establish whether the recovered items were connected to any criminal activity or other persons of interest. The suspect will be treated in accordance with the law throughout the investigation, including respecting his right to remain silent and all other applicable constitutional and legal safeguards.
The Anambra Police Command's effort to curb the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition is ongoing. The public is encouraged to cooperate with the police by providing useful information. The police will continue to work to prevent crime and protect communities in Anambra State.
Key points
- The Anambra Police Command arrested Okechukwu Igwegbe for allegedly possessing a pump-action gun and 11 live cartridges.
- The police recovered one pump-action firearm and 11 live cartridges from the suspect during the operation.
- The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to establish the provenance of the firearm and ammunition.
