From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Delta State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old Lucky alongside other suspected gun runners who allegedly sold ammunition to kidnappers.
Lucky was arrested following a search of his premises in Olomoro, Isoko South Local Government, where 82 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered by the police.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Bright Edafe, in a statement yesterday, said that operatives of CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by its commander, ASP Julius Robinson, arrested the suspect on March 25.
He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, a native of Igbide community, was working with one Mohammed Bellow, a suspected kidnapper already in custody.
Edafe said that Mohammed bellow, acts as a middle man, between the suspected gun runner and other suspected kidnappers.
He said that the suspects are in custody, and that investigation was ongoing. In the same vein, police operatives, on March 26, also trailed and arrested a fleeing suspected kidnapper, Chedeye Mohammed to Rivers State.
“Upon interrogation, Mohammed led the operatives to a bush where they recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of live ammunition”.
Edafe said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect and his members usually kidnapp at Ughelli, Agbarho, and other parts of the state and hibernate in River State. “Efforts to arrest his other gang members are ongoing”, he added.
In another operation, the police arrested three suspected robbers and gun runners: 31-year-old Zakari Mohammed of Olugbujo community; 29-year-old Ibrahim Mumuni, and 25-year-old Mohammed Hamisu,in Anyangba town, Dekina local government of Kogi State.
A search warrant executed at their residence yielded an AK-47 rifle, an automatic pump action gun, and a Beretta pistol with ammunition and cartridges.
Edafe disclosed that on the same date, operatives acting on the statement made by the suspect, arrested another suspect, Samaila Mohammed, 35, of Udo community Dekina LGA and recovered a baretta pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition and cartridges.
He said that the suspects are in custody, and thar investigation was ongoing.
Edafe said that Commissioner of Police,Abaniwonda Olufemi, has promised to sustain the tempo of these operations, ensuring that residents of Delta State can sleep safely. He has also solicited cooperation and partnership from the public.