From Chuks Collins, Awka
The Anambra state police command yesterday arrested a 57 year old illegal gunrunner who gave his name as Paul Odunze.
The development visibly excited Governor, Mr. Peter Obi as the man was alleged to be notorious arms dealer in the state by the state police command.
According to police records, the man who was arrested in a 24-hour manhunt following a tip-off, hails from Umudioka in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state
The suspect who displayed no facial emotions was allegedly arrested for similar offence about three years ago but mysteriously wriggled himself out of trouble. Then, he was allegedly arrested with 100 bags of assorted live cartridges totaling about 146 and some quantity of guns.
This time he was apprehended with 148 rounds of live ammunition, 15 pump action guns and 12 double barrel guns that were hidden in a Mercedes lorry with registration No, XF 283 FGG driven by one Nwakwue Ifionu, aged 53.
The police operations was led by Bashir Makama, an assistant commissioner of police in charge of operations with members of the State Anti Robbery Squad (SARS).
Parading the suspects shortly after they were caught yesterday at the state police headquarters, the police commissioner, Muhtari Ibrahim, said they must continue to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the state.
The command, according to the commissioner requires information from the public at all times, adding that his vow to flush out criminals in the state would not be in vain.
Obi, who was accompanied by the police boss alongside the deputy governor, Emeka Sibeudu, expressed happiness that his efforts in ridding the state of crime had started yielding fruits.
He said, “the first priority of my administration in this state is security adding that the break through had been made as a result of the cordial relationship existing between his administration and the state police command.
The suspect, Odunze told reporters that he was importing the arms for the vigilance groups in the state and could not mention anybody sponsoring the project. He said that it was his second trip since he joined the arms importation in the state.
