Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Imo State Command, has uncovered thirty three foreign made, semi- automatic guns and fifteen gun cleaning kits from a criminal hideout in Owerri, Imo State.
Commandant, NSCDC, Imo State, Michael Ogar, who made the revelation while addressing journalists in Owerri on Thursday, mentioned that the items uncovered were twenty six double barrel guns, five pump actions, two sniper rifles and fifteen sets of gun cleaning kits.
Ogar disclosed that his men acted on credible intelligence about the whereabouts of criminals as they laid ambush for some days before they invaded the hideout where those items were recovered.
The Commandant stated that the location where the weapons were uncovered is different from the bandits’ areas of operation, noting the command intelligently, closely worked with other security agencies in the state to track the criminals down.
Ogar told journalists that investigation is being carried out to fish out those who supply arms to the bandits with a view to arresting and prosecuting them in accordance to the law.
The Commandant had assured residents and citizens of the state who want to visit home for the yuletide of the command’s resolve and commitment to effective security of life and property during and after the celebrations.
According to Ogar, “acting on reliable tip-off, we laid ambush and after a few days, we were able to recover these items somewhere around Owerri that we cannot disclose now as a result of ongoing investigation.
Illicit possession of firearm is directly related to criminality and that is why we are investigating in order to unravel the suppliers of these items. We remain committed to ensuring a hitch-free celebrations this yuletide and we assure Imo sons and daughters who will be returning home that Imo is safe”.
Therefore, the Commandant advised residents to help the command tackle lack of access to information by providing it with valid information or evidence about the movement and activities of bandits across Imo State.
