The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a passenger allegedly found with 36 live cartridges during a routine stop-and-search operation in Benin City.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Ino Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the statement, officers attached to the Ikpoba Hill Area Command intercepted a commercial minibus carrying seven passengers at Guobadia Junction along the Benin–Auchi Road on May 23, 2026.
Ikoedem explained that during the operation, three male passengers suddenly abandoned their belongings and attempted to flee after noticing the presence of the police.
The officers immediately pursued the fleeing suspects and successfully arrested one of them, identified as 36-year-old Richard Gabriel from Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.
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“On 23rd May, 2026, at about 1300hrs, officers attached to Ikpoba Hill Area Command, while on stop-and-search duty at Guobadia Junction along the Benin–Auchi Road, intercepted a minibus conveying seven passengers from Benin–Auchi Bypass to Ring Road, Benin City,” the statement read.
“During the operation, three male passengers suddenly abandoned their belongings and attempted to flee the scene. The officers swiftly gave chase and successfully apprehended one of the fleeing suspects.”
The police spokesperson added that a search conducted on the suspect’s bag led to the recovery of 36 rounds of live cartridges concealed inside.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, commended the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and professionalism.
He also reassured residents of the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
“The Commissioner of Police commends the vigilance and professionalism of the officers involved in the operation and reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime,” Ikoedem stated.
The development comes barely days after the Edo Police Command arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm during another operation in the state.
