The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of two political thugs during an overnight raid across several locations in Edo State.
The operation, aimed at preventing electoral violence, was confirmed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday.
According to Adejobi, the suspects—Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, 41—were apprehended in separate incidents.
Obanor, believed to be a leader of an armed group, was arrested around 9 p.m. at Oredo Ward 4, while Tajudeen, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Ugbogbo Quarters, Igara Akoko, was arrested in the Igara Akoko area.
The police, acting on a tip-off about plans to incite violence during the election, recovered three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols from Obanor and one locally made gun from Tajudeen.
“This is a significant breakthrough in our efforts to curb electoral violence,” Adejobi said, highlighting the police force’s ongoing commitment to maintaining peace and order during the governorship election.
He emphasised that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are fully prepared to prevent any form of violence or disruption during the election.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate any violence or disorderliness during the election in Edo State,” he added.
Both suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Adejobi urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police via their published helplines, reaffirming the force’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property.
(Vanguard)