Three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and 3,120 rounds of ammunition have been intercepted by the Delta State Police Command during a stop-and-search operation along the Oghara-Warri Road near Western Delta University.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, disclosed this on Monday in a video posted on his X page.
He emphasised the importance of stop-and-search as an effective crime-fighting strategy in the state.
“Stop-and-search is one of the most effective proactive ways of combating crime, particularly in Delta State, where we use it frequently, and it has been yielding results,” Bright stated.
According to him, the weapons were discovered in a concealed compartment within a vehicle after officers conducted a thorough search.
“When you open the boot of this vehicle – that is, the trunk – you will not see anything. If it had been a routine stop-and-search, the officers might have allowed the suspect to go. But when they took a closer look and checked under the back seat, lo and behold, the rifles were stacked in a compartment specially designed to conceal them,” he explained.
The recovered items included three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and six boxes of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, each containing approximately 520 rounds.
The suspect, when questioned, confirmed that the rifles and ammunition were hidden in the concealed compartment.
“When the policeman stopped me and opened the boot, they didn’t see anything. But then, one of them said the vehicle was bugged and wanted to check inside,” the suspect stated.
He further explained that the officers then opened the door and pulled back the rear seat, revealing the concealed weapons. “They saw these three AK-47s and these boxes of ammunition,” he said.
SP Bright reiterated that the investigation was ongoing and that further details would be revealed in due course.
He assured the public that the Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of the CP, remained committed to ensuring the safety of residents.
“We are working seriously to ensure that all Deltans can sleep with their two eyes closed. Whenever you see the police on the road, make them your friend.
“They are there to protect you and serve you, not to stress you. The stress is just for a while, but always remember that it is for the collective good of everybody,” Bright added.
The police urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement efforts, particularly in stop-and-search operations, to help curb crime in the state.
