BENIN CITY-Henceforth, residents of Edo State will sleep with their eyes closed as police have arrested 81 suspected criminals, recovered 32 sophisticated guns with several ammunition within the last 57days after the state Commissioner of Police Mr Chris Ezike assumed duty in the state.
No fewer than four suspected criminals were shot dead during police operations at different locations across Edo State, within the period.
CP Ezike enjoined members of the public to remain vigilant, determined and be ready to abhor, condemn and report all acts of criminal impunity to the police in order to sustain the temple.
Among them were 18 suspected armed robbers, 16 suspected kidnappers, 15 alleged robbers/criminal receivers and 22 suspected teenage cultists.
Three persons alleged to have been involved in last Tuesday banks’ raid at Igara town, the administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo local government area of the state, are among the suspects picked out of business.
One Chief Revolver pistol Breech No. 996116 with 86 rounds of live ammunition, one AK47 rifle, Breech No. NH 395531 with 20 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were among various arms and ammunition recovered from the suspects.
Also, the Police Commissioner has warned residents against illegal possession of firearms as no one caught with illegally acquired arms would go Scott-free under his watch.
Prior to that Igara incident, the Edo COMPOL disclosed that of the recovered arms are four AK-47 rifles and 27 cut-to-size barrels.
“I know the numbers of cut-to-size guns that have recovered since I came, they are 27, and as at yesterday (last two weeks Wednesday) AK-47 rifle, are four, I am tracking them in my computer.
“Under my watch nobody caught with gun will be released”. Mr Ezike assured.
COMPOL Ezike disclosed further that rapists and car snatchers are also among them.
He stated that his strategy of high visibility and intelligence based policing with the partnership of members of the public accounted for the achievements.
He maintained that henceforth the police command would step up stop-and-search operation in every nook and cranny of the state.
In a similar development, operatives of Ogida Police Division gunned down a robbery suspect, recovered a double barrel cut-to-size gun, a unexpended cartridge and arrested three youths said to be members of the four-man gang that attempted to rob a residence at Egor area, Benin City. A fortnight ago.
It will be recalled that CP Chris Ezike assumed duty as police boss in Edo State on Monday, September 7, 2015.
