The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Okechukwu Igwegbe for allegedly possessing a pump-action firearm and 11 live cartridges in Uruagu, Nnewi.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Awka.
According to Ikenga, Igwegbe was arrested on September 18 by operatives of the command’s Tactical Team, led by Ezekiel Imoh, following credible intelligence about his alleged possession of the firearm and ammunition.
Police said operatives recovered one pump-action firearm and 11 live cartridges from the suspect during the operation.
The recovered items have been secured as exhibits as investigations continue.
Ikenga said the suspect had so far declined to make a statement to the police and had not disclosed the source of the firearm and ammunition or the circumstances surrounding his possession of them.
He, however, said the investigation would continue through other lawful and independent means.
Investigators are expected to establish the provenance of the firearm and ammunition, determine the circumstances surrounding their possession, and ascertain whether the recovered items are linked to any criminal activity or other persons of interest.
The police said the investigation would include appropriate forensic examination and ballistic tracing of the firearm, where applicable, while the ammunition and other available evidence would also be assessed.
The command added that investigators would review relevant intelligence, interview persons who may have useful information, and pursue other lawful leads concerning the source, movement, and possible use of the firearm.
The police said Igwegbe would be treated in accordance with the law throughout the investigation, including respect for his right to remain silent and other constitutional safeguards.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Nnanna Ama, commended the operatives for their vigilance and intelligence-led intervention.
Ama reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling the circulation of illegal firearms and ammunition and urged residents to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to help prevent crime and protect communities.
