Police arrest suspected gunrunner in Delta, recover weapons

Police. Photo Credit: Elliot Ovadje

Operatives of Dragon 14 of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a 55-year-old suspected gunrunner, Peter James, with three AK-47 rifles, 2,080 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, and another 1,040 rounds of 51mm ammunition loaded in four boxes.

The suspect was reportedly apprehended on 3 March while officers were conducting a stop-and-search operation along the Warri-Benin Road near Western Delta University, Oghara.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Monday.

Edafe noted that the operatives intercepted a blue Toyota Camry with registration number PHC 257 NT, driven by the suspect.

He said, “The driver was asked to open the trunk of the vehicle, during which officers observed that the trunk of the Camry, popularly known as ‘Big Daddy,’ was unusually small. This aroused suspicion, leading the officers to believe the vehicle had been modified for illegal purposes.

“The operatives proceeded to remove the vehicle’s seat, only to discover the hidden weapons. The exhibits have been recovered, and the suspect is in custody while an investigation is ongoing.

“In a related development, operatives attached to Dragon Patrol Team 02, while on a stop-and-search operation along the Asaba-Benin Expressway near the National Open University, Onicha-Ugbo, intercepted a navy blue Sharon space bus with registration number DKA 408 LM.

The vehicle was driven by 69-year-old Yahuza Magaji, accompanied by 17-year-old Abba Sani, both from Lere Local Government Area in Kaduna State.

According to the PPRO, the duo disguised as traders transporting palm oil and garri. However, a thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of seven pump-action guns and five cartons containing 1,600 rounds of live cartridges concealed under the back seat.

He said a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had purchased the arms in Onitsha and were transporting them to Kaduna State.

Both suspects are now in custody, and investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the officers for their diligence in uncovering the hidden firearms.

Abaniwonda urged other officers in the Command to maintain the same level of vigilance and reiterated the need to rid the state of criminal elements.

He further directed all tactical commanders, area commanders, and divisional police officers to intensify efforts to ensure their areas of responsibility remain uninhabitable for criminals.