The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested and paraded 26 suspects in connection with illegal possession of firearms, fraud and cult-related offences.
Iyamah Daniel Edebor, the Commissioner of Police said the arrests followed a sustained crackdown in line with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP)’s directive on zero tolerance for crime across the country.
Among items recovered was a stolen Toyota Hiace bus, which police said is valued at N145 million.
According to Edebor, the principal suspect, Anyankpele Ebiowei, was arrested in Warri and subsequently led investigators to other alleged accomplices.
Police said those arrested in connection with the case include Alhaji Jibo Aluseyni and Hassan Mumuni.
Investigations revealed that the vehicle had been resold to a Lagos-based dealer, Alhaji Sikiru Jimoh, who is currently at large.
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In a separate operation, officers arrested three suspects for attempted armed robbery during a routine stop-and-search operation in Yenagoa.
One of the suspects, identified as Lucky Boro, was found in possession of a locally made pistol, police said.
Edebor added that another suspect, Emmanuel Agadaga Akene, was also arrested after officers recovered a concealed firearm during a separate intelligence-led operation.
Police disclosed all suspects have made statements and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
Further inquiries are ongoing to apprehend remaining suspects and recover additional exhibits, police added.