The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a vigilante operative suspected of planning to use a stolen firearm for armed robbery.
In a statement on Tuesday, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the suspect, Enediong Bassey, a 25-year-old from Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was apprehended at Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives attached to the 3-3 Police Divisional Headquarters, led by CSP Emeka Obi, arrested Bassey on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 6:38 pm. During the operation, officers recovered a pump-action gun concealed in a bag of rice.
Ikenga revealed that during interrogation, the suspect admitted to being a member of a vigilante group but was attempting to flee with the weapon to join a criminal gang for armed robbery and other unlawful activities.
In response, the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, emphasized the need for better oversight of vigilante and security personnel assisting law enforcement. He stated:
“Given complaints about unprofessional conduct by some vigilante members, the profiling of security operatives is critical to enhancing public safety.”
The suspect has been transferred to the command’s anti-robbery squad for further investigation. This arrest underscores ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and curb crime in the state.