The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 68-year-old man and his son for allegedly possessing four single-barrel firearms without lawful authority.
The suspects were apprehended along the Igbogene–Tombia Expressway in Yenagoa during a stop-and-search operation conducted by officers of the Anti-Vice Unit.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, identifying the suspects as Tibi Friday, 68, from Futoro Gbene Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area, and his 36-year-old son, Oyabrade Tibi.
Mohammed said the duo were arrested at about 10:30 a.m. on July 6 while travelling in a commercial tricycle heading to Abua in neighbouring Rivers State.
According to the statement, police operatives stopped the vehicle for a routine search, during which they allegedly discovered four single-barrel guns hidden inside a sack and covered with sticks in an attempt to conceal them.
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The statement reads, “The Bayelsa State Police Command under the leadership of CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor has recorded another significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of two suspects in possession of four single-barrel guns.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yenagoa, for discreet investigation to ascertain the source of the firearms and identify any other persons connected with the offence.
The Command reiterates its commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal firearms and other violent crimes across the state.
The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with credible and timely information that will aid ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and security.”
The command said investigations are ongoing to establish how the firearms were obtained and determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged crime.
The suspects’ case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yenagoa for further investigation.
The police also urged residents to remain alert and provide useful information to security authorities as part of efforts to curb illegal firearms possession and improve security across the state.