Rita Odafe
Enediong Bassey, a 25-year-old vigilante member, was apprehended by the Anambra State Police Command while attempting to flee with a firearm.
According to the police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the gun was found wrapped in a rice bag at Nkwelle-Ezunaka, located in the Oyi Local Government Area.
Ikenga noted that officers from the 3-3 Police Divisional headquarters, under the leadership of CSP Emeka Obi, made the arrest on a tip-off received last Friday.
He explained, “Police operatives from the 3 Police Divisional headquarters led by CSP Emeka Obi arrested one Enediong Bassey, a 25-year-old native of Ikono LGA in Akwa Ibom State, on 22/11/2024 at around 6:38 PM, recovering a pump action gun hidden in a bag of rice at Nkwelle-Ezunaka.”
During questioning, Bassey admitted to being part of a vigilante group and expressed intentions to use the gun in criminal activities, including robbery.
In light of this incident and previous issues surrounding the conduct of some security groups, Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam emphasized the importance of vetting those in security roles assisting law enforcement to enhance state safety during community policing efforts.
Furthermore, the Commissioner instructed the immediate transfer of Bassey to the anti-robbery squad for further investigation.
