The Edo State Police Command says its operatives arrested a passenger with 36 live cartridges during a routine stop-and-search in Benin City.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Ino Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
According to the PPRO, the police had stopped a minibus conveying seven passengers at the Guobadia Junction along the Benin–Auchi Road.
She noted that some of the passengers, upon sighting the police, abandoned their belongings and fled the scene, prompting a police chase.
She stated, “On 23rd May, 2026, at about 1300hrs, officers attached to Ikpoba Hill Area Command, while on stop-and-search duty at Guobadia Junction along the Benin–Auchi Road, intercepted a minibus conveying seven passengers from Benin–Auchi Bypass to Ring Road, Benin City.
“During the operation, three male passengers suddenly abandoned their belongings and attempted to flee the scene.”
“The officers swiftly gave chase and successfully apprehended one of the fleeing suspects, identified as Richard Gabriel, 36 years old, from Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.”
The PPRO noted that a search of the arrested suspect led to the recovery of 36 live cartridges.
She noted that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, commended the officers for their vigilance while assuring residents of the command’s commitment to tackling crimes.
“A search conducted on the suspect’s bag led to the recovery of 36 rounds of live cartridges concealed therein.
“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, commends the vigilance and professionalism of the officers involved in the operation and reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the State,” Ikoedem concluded.
PUNCH Metro reported on Thursday that the command arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a firearm.
Ikoedem had stated that the suspects were arrested after police operatives disrupted their gathering in Ohonre community.
