The Rivers State Police Command has recovered an illegal firearm ingeniously hidden inside a loaf of bread and arrested a suspect during a routine operation in Port Harcourt. The command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday in Port Harcourt.
Discovery During Stop-and-Search
Agabe explained that the firearm was uncovered during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by police operatives along Azikiwe Road, near Red Cross Junction in the city. Officers intercepted a vehicle and carried out a thorough search of its occupants, leading to the discovery of a Browning pistol concealed inside a loaf of bread.
“The pistol was recovered from Mr. Braya Nanas, a resident of New Road, Borikiri, who was travelling as a passenger in the vehicle,” Agabe said. Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearm had no visible serial number, raising concerns about its source and intended use.
Suspect Confesses to Purchase
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted ownership of the weapon. “The suspect confessed that he purchased the firearm in Okirika Local Government Area for N800,000,” Agabe stated. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the weapon and whether it is linked to any criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olugbenga Adepoju, urged residents to remain vigilant and security conscious. According to Agabe, Adepoju noted that criminals are increasingly adopting deceptive methods to evade detection by security agencies.
Police Commissioner Warns of Deceptive Tactics
“The discovery of a firearm hidden inside a loaf of bread demonstrates the increasingly deceptive methods employed by criminal elements to evade detection,” Adepoju said. He advised residents to be cautious of suspicious persons, packages, and activities within their communities.
He also warned against accepting, transporting, or storing items whose contents are unknown, noting that such actions could inadvertently aid criminal activities. The police commissioner called on the public to support law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information.
Call for Community Partnership
“Effective policing thrives on strong community partnership. If you see something, say something. Together, we can build a safer, more secure and crime-free Rivers State,” Adepoju stated. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
