Police catch two men with illegal guns in Abia

Officers from the Abia State Police have arrested two men for having illegal guns and ammunition in Aba.

The suspects are David Emmanuel, 33, and Joel Emeka, 25. They were caught during a stop-and-search operation by officers from the Nediegoro Divisional Police Headquarters.

Police spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, shared this information in a statement on Thursday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa.

The statement revealed that the suspects were arrested on June 12, 2026, along Azikiwe Road by Kent Road in Aba. Police stopped an auto rickshaw that was carrying them.

"On 12/06/2026, operatives of the Nediegoro Divisional Police Headquarters, while on stop-and-search duty along Azikiwe by Kent Road, Aba, intercepted an auto rickshaw.

"During the operation, one of the occupants of the vehicle fled the scene, while the other two suspects were immediately apprehended," Chinaka said.

She explained that a search of the suspects led to finding a locally made pistol, one live round of ammunition, live cartridges, a small black bag, and the tricycle they used.

The police spokesperson mentioned that all the seized items are now in custody as evidence. Investigations into the case have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

"A search conducted on them led to the recovery of the above-listed exhibits. The suspects are in police custody and investigation is currently ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and will be charged to court on completion of investigation," she added.

The police command reaffirmed its dedication to fighting crime and keeping residents safe throughout the state.

Chinaka called on the public to keep supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could help prevent and detect crime.

The arrest of these two men comes as the Abia State Police Command is working hard to stop the spread of illegal firearms and crime in the state.

In recent months, security agencies have stepped up stop-and-search operations and intelligence-led raids in major cities like Aba and Umuahia. This is part of efforts to tackle armed robbery, cult-related violence, and other violent crimes.