… CP Reassures Residents of Safety and Security
By Eunice Nnachi, Nigeria
The Bayelsa State Police Command has paraded 26 suspected criminals arrested for various offences, including unlawful possession of firearms, cultism, attempted armed robbery, vandalism, and advance fee fraud.
Commissioner of Police, Iyamah Daniel Edebor, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Yenagoa. He said the arrests and recoveries were in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on zero tolerance for crime and criminality across the country.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property in Bayelsa State.
Among the major breakthroughs recorded was the recovery of a stolen white Toyota Hiace bus valued at about ₦145 million. The vehicle, with registration number SAG 584 EA, was allegedly stolen and later traced to Lagos.
According to Edebor, the principal suspect, Anyankpele Ebiowei, was arrested in Warri. His confession led to the arrest of two other suspects, Alhaji Jibo Aluseyni, 60, and Hassan Mumuni, 48, who allegedly purchased the vehicle without proper documentation.
Investigations further revealed that the bus had been resold through one Sefiu Abbas, 38, to a Lagos-based auto dealer, Alhaji Sikiru Jimoh, who is currently at large, for ₦38 million. The vehicle was subsequently recovered in Lagos by operatives of Operation Puff Adder. All arrested suspects have confessed and will be charged to court, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
In another operation, police arrested three suspects—Lucky Boro, 24; Tony Akpose, 24; and Tari Lokosi, 26—for alleged attempted armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms. They were intercepted during a stop-and-search operation at Ebis Road Junction, Biogbolo, Yenagoa. A locally made single-barrel pistol was recovered from them.
Similarly, Emmanuel Agadaga Akene was arrested in Yenagoa following credible intelligence. A locally made single-barrel pistol concealed in a black polythene bag was recovered from him.
Police also arrested George John, following an assault complaint by a final-year student of Niger Delta University. A search of his residence led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a battle axe, a machete, and other dangerous weapons.
Additionally, four suspects travelling in a Dangote Cement truck were arrested along the East-West Road. Two locally made double-barrel guns and 18 rounds of live cartridges were recovered from them.
The Command also confirmed the arrest in Bayelsa of a suspected serial killer wanted by the Ebonyi State Police Command for multiple murders.
CP Edebor urged residents to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information, assuring that Bayelsa remains unsafe for criminals.
