The Imo State Police Command has apprehended a 31-year-old man, Micheal Uzondu, from Amimo in Ikeduru local government area for alleged possession of firearms.
The arrest followed an intelligence-led raid on a suspected criminal hideout at No 1 Chidiobi Street, Site and Services, World Bank Layout. During the operation, officers from the Command’s Narcotics Unit recovered a locally-made pistol and suspected hard drugs from Uzondu.
Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to purchasing the pistol from a gun-runner in Ugirike, Ikeduru LGA, with the intention of using it for self-protection.
According to Henry Okoye, the Imo State Police spokesman, investigations are ongoing to apprehend the dealers and manufacturers of locally-made guns.
Uzondu will be prosecuted in court once a comprehensive investigation is completed. Commissioner of Police CP Aboki Danjuma urged residents to provide credible information to help combat the proliferation of illicit firearms and ammunition, which poses a serious threat to the state’s peace and security.
