Security operatives in Edo State have arrested a 35-year-old man allegedly found with a prohibited firearm, underscoring ongoing concerns about the spread of illegal weapons in Nigeria. The arrest, carried out after intelligence gathering, highlights how law-enforcement agencies are tightening surveillance as violent crimes linked to illicit arms remain a persistent threat.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed that operatives of the Command Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad (CIRRS) arrested Kingsley Dele, 35, in Obaretin community following actionable intelligence.

Police spokesperson ASP Eno Ikoedem said officers recovered a Beretta pistol during the operation, which took place around 10 a.m. on February 28. According to the command, the suspect is currently in custody and will be charged in court once investigations are completed.

The arrest forms part of what authorities describe as a broader offensive against the circulation of illegal weapons believed to fuel crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and cult violence across communities.
Advertisement
Caption

Beyond the individual arrest, the development reflects a deeper security challenge. Across several Nigerian states, police operations frequently uncover pistols, pump-action guns and locally fabricated weapons during raids targeting cult groups, kidnappers and robbery networks.

In Edo specifically, previous operations have resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of Beretta pistols and other firearms linked to organised criminal activity.

Security analysts note that even isolated cases of illegal firearm possession can be significant because such weapons often circulate through informal networks before appearing in violent crimes. A single handgun, investigators say, may be rented, resold or transferred among criminal groups.

That risk explains why police authorities stress “zero tolerance” toward unauthorized firearms, regardless of the suspect’s profession or social status.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has urged residents to continue providing timely intelligence to help security agencies track illegal weapons and prevent crimes.