Police arrest two political thugs ahead of governorship election in Edo, recover firearms

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of two political thugs during an overnight raid at multiple locations across Edo State. 

This was revealed in a press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday, September 21. 

According to Adejobi, the police recovered three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols and one locally made gun from the suspects. The operation, part of the force's efforts to curb political violence in the state, highlights the ongoing security measures being enforced as elections approach.

He said; 

“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-year-old 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 9pm 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.

“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.”