From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested one Okechukwu Igwegbe over suspected unlawful possession of a firearm and recovered one pump-action gun and eleven live cartridges at Uruagu, Nnewi, in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State.
The suspect was arrested on Friday by operatives of the Command’s Tactical Team, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Ezekiel Imoh, following credible intelligence.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, Tochukwu Ikenga (SP) revealed this in a press statement made available to journalists on Saturday.
“During the operation, the operatives recovered from the suspect one pump-action firearm and eleven live cartridges. The recovered firearm and ammunition have been secured as exhibits and are being subjected to further investigation.
“The suspect has so far declined to make a statement to the Police and has not provided information regarding the source of the firearm and ammunition or the circumstances surrounding their possession.
“The Command, however, wishes to state that the investigation is continuing through other lawful and independent means. Investigators are working to establish the provenance of the firearm and ammunition, the circumstances surrounding their possession, and whether the recovered items are connected to any criminal activity or other persons of interest.
The investigation will include appropriate forensic examination and ballistic tracing of the recovered firearm, where applicable, as well as verification of the ammunition and assessment of other available evidence.
“Investigators will also review relevant intelligence, interview persons who may possess useful information, and pursue other lawful investigative leads capable of establishing the source, movement and possible use of the recovered firearm.” Ikenga pointed out.
He assured that the suspect will be treated in accordance with the law, including respect for his right to remain silent and all other applicable constitutional and legal safeguards, throughout the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama(CP) has commended the operatives for their vigilance and intelligence-led intervention.
He has however directed the investigators to conduct a professional and thorough investigation, with particular emphasis on tracing the source of the firearm and ammunition and identifying any individual or network that may be connected with their possession, movement or supply.
The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to disrupting the circulation of illegal firearms and ammunition and strengthening intelligence-led policing across the State. He also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to the Police and other security agencies, as such information remains vital to preventing crime and protecting communities.