Edo poll: Police arrest suspected thugs, recover four guns in midnight raids

A wee hours raid spanning multiple locations ahead of the governorship election in Edo State on Saturday has busted two suspected political thugs, the police have said.

Three cut-to-size locally-made pistols and one locally-fabricated gun were allegedly recovered from the suspects.

According to Persecondnews, voting for the September 21 poll is underway across the state.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a press statement on Saturday: “The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to curb electoral violence in Edo State with the arrest of two political thugs, namely: Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old Peoples Democratic Party member from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko, Edo.

“Acting on a tip-off that some individuals had been armed to cause mayhem and instability during the election on Saturday, the police operatives swooped into action and apprehended Obanor, a leader of an armed group, at Oredo Ward 4 at about 9 p.m. and Audu Tajudeen at Igara Akoko, Edo, on the eve of the election.

“Upon searching the bags in their possession, three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols were discovered on Obanor, while one locally made gun was recovered from Tajudeen.”

Adejobi said the recent arrests of political thugs demonstrate their dedication to upholding law and order, ensuring a serene electoral process for the governorship election.

He added: “These arrests are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

“The police and other supporting security agencies will not tolerate any form of violence or disorderliness during the election in Edo State.

“The suspects are currently in custody and will face the full weight of the law.

“The police reassure the public of its dedication to protecting lives and property and, therefore, urge citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via our published helplines.”