The Delta State Police Command on Wednesday presented a suspected armed robber, Bassey Udoh, who was allegedly in possession of an English-made Beretta pistol reportedly purchased for ₦30,000.
Udoh was among 80 individuals apprehended across the state in August during various security operations carried out by the command.
While showcasing the suspects, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, explained that Udoh’s arrest and the seizure of the pistol were effected by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad.
According to him, on Aug. 16 at about 5 p.m., operatives on Stop-and-Search duty along DBS Road, Asaba, intercepted 39-year-old Udoh.
Upon interrogation and search, the operatives recovered an English-made Beretta pistol from the suspect.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Udoh belonged to a syndicate which usually broke into homes and carted away valuables.
The suspect confessed to detectives that he purchased the gun for thirty thousand naira (N30,000).
In a similar development, three suspects arrested by operatives of the CP-Decoy Squad in Ubulu-Okiti community last August were also paraded by the command.
Abaniwonda said the suspects, Igwe Ameachi, Chibuzor Ojiogwu and Ekene Ibigweh, were arrested at their hideout in possession of two assorted firearms.
On Aug. 21, at about 6 p.m., operatives acting on credible information stormed the hideout at Ubulu-Okiti and arrested the three men.
During the operation, detectives recovered one pump-action gun, two double-barrel guns and two cartridges from the suspects.
The police commissioner assured that the suspects are still being held in custody, noting that further investigations are actively underway.