Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
A joint security team in Anambra State has arrested nine suspects and recovered three AK-47 rifles, a pump-action gun, charms and other incriminating items during a stop-and-search operation in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday by the Joint Operation Base in Aguata, involved operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service and the Agunechemba Security Outfit.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the operation was led by the Commander of the Joint Operation Base, CSP Austin Elaigwu, who supervised the interception of two vehicles, a custom-coloured Toyota Sienna and an ash-coloured Toyota RAV4, at a security checkpoint in Isuofia.
Police said the interception led to the arrest of nine occupants, comprising seven men and two women.
During a thorough search of the vehicles, operatives recovered three AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, charms and other items considered relevant to the ongoing investigation.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits were immediately taken into custody for further questioning.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that during preliminary interrogation, the suspects claimed to be security operatives from a neighbouring state.
He, however, said they failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their identities, official affiliations, possession of the firearms and the purpose of their movement into Anambra State.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for what he described as a successful intelligence-led operation.
He urged security personnel across the state to sustain vigilance, noting that the recovery underscored the importance of intelligence-driven policing and effective stop-and-search operations in combating crime and enhancing public safety.
The Police Command said investigations are ongoing to ascertain the identities of the suspects, determine the ownership of the recovered weapons and unravel the circumstances surrounding their presence in Anambra.
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