The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, has arrested two suspects for alleged illegal arms possession in the state.
The two suspects, Alhaji Abdullahi, 19, and John Inyeka, were paraded on Thursday in Ilorin by the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, for allegedly bearing illegal arms.
They were arrested at Agbede village in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara state at about noon on Wednesday by operatives of the civil defence corps on surveillance operation in the area.
One other suspect identified as Ifeanyi Chukwu (26), was also paraded for alleged theft of a water pumping machine owned by Doctor’s Hospital, Niger Road area of Ilorin metropolis.
Parading the suspects before newsmen at the defence corps headquarters in Ilorin, the defence corps spokesman, Olasunkanmi Ayeni, disclosed that Abdullahi and John were arrested at Agbede village on Wednesday.
He said Abdullahi, of Fulani descent, was allegedly found with a locally made pistol and further investigation led to the arrest of John Inyeka, who hails from Benue state.
“Inyeka, was also caught with another local pistol during a search of his house in the same Agbede village,” Ayeni disclosed.
The spokesman said another name mentioned was yet to be apprehended by the operatives of the civil defence corps.
He said Abdullahi was in search of cartridges for his locally made pistol when he was arrested.
“Abdullahi contacted a wrong person which later leaked to our men on surveillance of the area. When interrogated, he claimed he was using the locally made pistol for self-defence which is contrary to the provisions of the law in the country.”
Ayeni, said, “The arrest of the two suspects raised serious concerns as there are reports that suspected bandits are trying to infiltrate Kwara State from Niger, a neighbouring state sharing a common border with the state.
“We are at high alert to checkmate dangerous elements and keep the state safe for the citizens.
“Hence, at any given flash, we are ready to go after them and this has led to the latest arrest of the two armed suspects,” the spokesman added.