In a joint operation, the Edo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante operatives, has successfully apprehended two suspected armed robbers in Ubiaja, located in the Esan South East Local Government Area.
The information was disclosed by Aminu Sumaila Suleman, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, in a statement provided to journalists in Benin City.
These suspects are part of a criminal group that has been causing terror in the area and its surroundings.
The arrest was carried out by a team comprising the Correctional Armed Squad Personnel, Nigerian Army personnel from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, and local vigilante members.
The Deputy Controller of Corrections, Julius Osemwegie, who oversees the custodial centre, reported that the suspects were apprehended at the scene of the crime.
Following a distress call regarding robbery activities near the custodial centre, the security teams swiftly responded and conducted a raid on the location.
After an exchange of gunfire, the suspects were subdued and arrested.
Suleman mentioned that the suspects have been handed over to the Ubiaja divisional office of the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
Items seized from the suspects included a locally crafted pistol, live ammunition, a knife, a torchlight, a mask, and objects suspected to be charms.
The Controller of Corrections for Edo State Command, Emehinola Philomena, lauded the collaborative effort of the security team in ensuring the safety of lives and properties within their designated areas.
She commended the synergy among the different security agencies in the state and cautioned individuals engaging in criminal activities to refrain from approaching any Custodial Centres or operating within the state.
Assuring that security agencies are working collectively with the support of the Edo State Government to combat crime, Philomena urged citizens to provide valuable information to security agencies continually.