Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have recovered an Italian-made serviceable pistol from a bag abandoned by two fleeing suspects during a stop-and-search operation in the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the operatives attached to the Safer Highway Unit, Edo North, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along the Auchi-Okene Expressway in Okpella, intercepted two unidentified young men riding a motorcycle.

Ikoedem said upon approaching the checkpoint, the passenger on the motorcycle offered the officers money, which they declined, insisting that both alight for a search based on reasonable suspicion.

According to police spokesperson, the passenger alighted and immediately threw away the bag he was carrying before fleeing into a nearby bush, while the motorcycle rider sped away from the scene.

Ikoedem said a search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of an Italian-made serviceable pistol with its breech number filed off.

The statement said efforts were ongoing to identify, trace and apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

The police spokesperson said the command remained committed to sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, recover illegal firearms and enhance public safety. (Weekend Trust, excluding headline)