Officers of the Abia State Police Command have arrested two suspects for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition in Aba.

The suspects, identified as David Emmanuel, 33, and Joel Emeka, 25, were apprehended during a stop-and-search operation conducted by officers attached to the Nediegoro Divisional Police Headquarters.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa.

According to the statement, the suspects were arrested on June 12, 2026, along Azikiwe Road by Kent Road in Aba after police operatives intercepted an auto rickshaw conveying them.

“On 12/06/2026, operatives of the Nediegoro Divisional Police Headquarters, while on stop-and-search duty along Azikiwe by Kent Road, Aba, intercepted an auto rickshaw.

“During the operation, one of the occupants of the vehicle fled the scene, while the other two suspects were immediately apprehended,” Chinaka stated.

She said a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, one live round of ammunition, live cartridges, a small black bag and the tricycle used for transportation.

The police spokesperson added that the recovered items had been taken into custody as exhibits, while investigations into the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

“A search conducted on them led to the recovery of the above-listed exhibits. The suspects are in police custody and investigation is currently ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and will be charged to court on completion of investigation,” she said.

The command reiterated its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.

Chinaka urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid crime prevention and detection.

The duo’s arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by the Abia State Police Command to clamp down on the proliferation of illegal firearms and criminal activities across the state.

In recent months, security agencies have intensified stop-and-search operations and intelligence-driven raids in major cities, including Aba and Umuahia, as part of measures to curb armed robbery, cult-related violence and other violent crimes. (The PUNCH)

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