By Emeka Chiaghanam, Awka
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, has revealed that the Onitsha market has become a point of trade for illegal firearms.
Adeoye, disclosed this while presenting a quarterly account of his stewardship at a press briefing on Monday at the Police Command Headquarters, Amawbia, in the Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
Adeoye, drawing on his extensive service in the state since the 1990s, underscored that the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent times.
He identified the Onitsha Main Market as a significant source of illegal arms proliferation within the state.
The Commissioner also pointed to the involvement of blacksmiths in Awka who are manufacturing homemade firearms, thereby contributing to the proliferation of illegal arms. In response, Adeoye pledged that the police would take rigorous action against these arm manufacturers.
In addition to these revelations, Adeoye highlighted the smuggling of illegal arms into the South-Eastern region from Cameroon, with Port Harcourt serving as a pivotal entry point. These smugglers discreetly package these weapons alongside stockfish and deliver them to a location near Aba, Abia State, for immediate sale.
“Over the past three months, the Anambra State Police Command has achieved significant milestones in its fight against crime. During this period, more than fifty suspects have been apprehended for various criminal activities, leading to the recovery of no fewer than 26 firearms from different individuals.”
The Police Commissioner added that he police have successfully rescued 29 kidnap victims and arrested 16 individuals involved in the theft of iron grills from the Second Niger Bridge.
“The Command has also apprehended three individuals who were acting as buyers for stolen property. This operation has resulted in the recovery of various stolen items, including cars, firearms, tricycles, motorcycles, armored cable rolls, generators, and more.”
Aderemi Adeoye assumed office as the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State on July 7, 2023. His relentless commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of the state’s residents has yielded impressive results during his tenure thus far.