Firearms concealed in sack during highway stop-and-search as police launch deeper investigation into source, possible network

The men of the Nigerian Police Force, Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested a 68-year-old man and his 36-year-old son for allegedly possessing four illegal firearms along the Igbogene–Tombia Expressway in Yenagoa.

The suspects, identified as Tibi Friday from Futoro Gbene Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area and his son, Oyabrade Tibi, were intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation by officers of the Anti-Vice Unit.

Police spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the arrest took place at about 10:30 a.m. on July 6 while the duo were travelling in a commercial tricycle en route to Abua in neighbouring Rivers State.

According to the police, a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of four single-barrel guns hidden inside a sack and covered with sticks, a move investigators believe was intended to evade detection.

“The Bayelsa State Police Command under the leadership of CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor has recorded another significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of two suspects in possession of four single-barrel guns,” the statement read.

The command confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yenagoa for further investigation to determine the origin of the firearms and uncover any accomplices.

Authorities say preliminary findings are ongoing as part of efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks and curb violent crime in the state.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the police urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information.