The Anambra State police command says its operatives on Saturday intercepted a six-round pistol, during a stop-and-search operation, from two persons in the Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement in Awka, on Sunday, via its WhatsApp platform.

Mr Ikenga attributed the feat to the combined efforts of the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Nnewi Sector, and Police Mobile Force 54.

He stated that the team made the recovery in the evening of Saturday, September 26.

According to him, the joint team of operatives recovered the weapon, while conducting visibility patrol within the Nnewi North metropolis.

Mr Ikenga added that the weapon was found in the possession of two men travelling on an unregistered Tiger 150 motorcycle.

He identified the suspects as Joseph Ekwulugo, 33, and Somtochukwu Enyiobi, 29.

He stated that after stopping their motorcycle, “they were subjected to a search, during which the firearm was recovered.

“They were immediately taken into custody and are currently assisting the police with the ongoing investigation,” the PPRO added.

He further stated that the command was “working to establish how the suspects got the firearm, where it was obtained from and what it was intended to be used for.

“Investigators are also looking into other circumstances surrounding the recovery and whether there are any further links that may assist the investigation,” Mr Ikenga stated.

He quoted the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Nnanna Ama, as saying that the recovery demonstrated the importance of maintaining police visibility and conducting well-coordinated stop-and-search operations.

“The CP said that the measure was part of the command’s intelligence-led and community-based policing strategy.

“Such operations are particularly important in identifying and disrupting the movement of firearms and other dangerous weapons that could be used to facilitate violent crimes.

“He also assured the residents of the state that the command would continue to sustain proactive patrols, intelligence-led operations and strategic stop-and-search activities across the state.

“He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide the police with credible information concerning suspicious persons, movements or activities within their communities.

“The command lauded the continued support and cooperation of the people and reiterated its commitment to working with the public to keep the state safe,” the statement added.

(NAN)