How we recovered large cache of arms from criminals – Edo CP

By Ajibola Abayomi, News Editor

For Folusho Adebanjo, Edo State Commissioner of Police, tracking suspects is a task that demands dynamic strategies.
Not leaving anything to chance, the Edo State police boss said the command has sustained the crackdown on criminals, thus making the state a no-go area for lawbreakers since he assumed office in February 2013.

Some of the recovered ammunition

In an interview with Saturday Independent recently, Adebanjo enumerated some of the anti-crime activities of the police that have led to the arrest of hundreds of suspects and the recovery of thousands of arms and ammunition.
According to him, the feat was achieved through robust frequent patrols in the various districts and police divisions.
“In 2013 alone, we recovered 1,962 live cartridges, 6,447 live ammunition, 95 stolen vehicles and arrested 384 suspects in connection with several crimes. The recovered weapons range from explosive devices, double-barrel guns, AK-47 rifles, locally-made pistols, pump-action guns, cal guns and several pistols.
“If you add that to the successes we have recorded in 2014, we have made far-reaching progress to keep crime at bay. That is why at the beginning of the year, we made it clear that we would not condone any form of crime. On that, we have law-abiding citizens and the government of Edo State to thank for their support,” he said.
The police commissioner also highlighted some challenging encounters with criminals.  He said, “On a daily basis, the criminals keep devising new tricks in their nefarious trade, but we are always a step ahead of them. A case that readily comes to mind was the murder of a 23-year-old medical doctor by some kidnappers in Ekpoma, this year.
“I was touched that for reasons best known to the suspects, that are not acceptable to us, they took the life of that young man and went ahead to dump his corpse in a well.
“To get the culprits was not an easy task. We had to deploy information technology tools to track them. We have also had encounters with notorious car-snatchers troubling the South-South region. We were able to recover hundreds of cars from them through tips we got from our links.
“There were a number of criminal suspects that we had a tough time putting behind bars; their crimes ranged from armed robbery, murder, sexual offence, human trafficking and other incidents.”
Adebanjo added that the police was concerned about the big cache of firearms in circulation, especially in the state: “We were disturbed that such large pool of arms could slip into the hands of criminals unlawfully. Our job is to go after them and stop them before they unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.
“You would recall that there was a time when kidnapping was becoming a dominant concern in Edo State. I must thank my men that we have come this far to bring down the tide. We are going to do more to ensure that Edo State is safe at all times.”
Adebanjo also advised youths to shun criminal activities and channel their energies to positive things, saying, “What will it profit anyone to start regretting, when you are caught? No matter how smart you are as a criminal, police will surely get you. Therefore, why not take up some positive opportunities to have a good name in the society?
“I feel concerned each time we arrest youths in their 20s who gave themselves to crime. Even though our economy is not perfect, that is not a reason to take to crime.
“Let me also appreciate the press for standing by us. We cherish the cordial relationship with the media and the society. That will always motivate us to give our best at all times.”