Ben Dunno, Warri
The Police in Delta State have recorded another major breakthrough in the ongoing war against criminals with the discovery of arms catche, comprising of three AK-49, two AK-47 rifles and 207 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition in a forest at Agbarho community in Ughelli North Local Government area of the state.
Making this disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri yesterday, Delta Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, attributed the feat to zero tolerance of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, who had kept re-echoing the need for his men and officers to be more Pro-active in crime combatting wherever they found themselves.
He also applauded some Agbarho community residents, especially a vigilante member who took it upon himself to work with the policemen at the divisional unit by divulging useful information that prompted the invasion of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Josephine Ekebuike, to the location in the forest where the discovery was made.
The statement read: “On May 30, 2024, at about 1050hrs, the Command received an intelligence report from a concerned vigilante member in Agbarho(name withheld) on the hideout of some suspected kidnappers who have been terrorizing Ughelli, Agbarho, Warri, Sapele and environs in the bush at Uwurghelli village by the rail tracks”.
“Sequel to this information, the DPO Agbarho Division CSP Josephine Ekebuike swiftly detailed and led Police operatives to the bush, cordoned off the entire area and carried out an intensive search during which sack bags were sighted hidden in the bush”.
“Upon searching of the sack bags, three (3) AK-49 rifles, two (2) AK-47 Rifles, and Two Hundred and Seven (207) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered. The Command has launched a serious manhunt for the fleeing suspected kidnappers”.
“The Commissioner of Police CP Abaniwonda Olufemi commends the DPO and men of Agbarho Police Station for their prompt response to the credible information received and he also advised members of the public to continue to trust and partner with the Police”.
“He reiterated that police-community partnership is the best for optimal results, noting that the command is willing and ready to act promptly on credible information received to nip crime in the bud”.
“The CP also warned residents to shun all forms of unlawful activities, noting that the command under his watch will not leave any stone unturned in fishing out criminal elements from wherever they are hibernating and ensure that they are brought to justice”.
“For distress, complaints or information, members of the public can reach the command on the Control room number on 08036684974 or report to the nearest Police Station”, he concluded.