Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have arrested two suspects for allegedly possessing firearms and ammunition illegally in Aba.

The suspects, identified as David Emmanuel, 33, and Joel Emeka, 25, were apprehended during a stop-and-search operation carried out by officers attached to the Nediegoro Divisional Police Headquarters.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa.

According to the statement, the arrests were made on June 12, 2026, along Azikiwe Road by Kent Road in Aba after police operatives intercepted an auto rickshaw conveying the suspects.

Chinaka explained that during the operation, one of the occupants of the tricycle fled the scene, while the remaining two suspects were immediately arrested by the officers.

She stated that a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, one live round of ammunition, several live cartridges, a small black bag, and the tricycle used for transportation.

The police spokesperson added that the recovered items had been taken into custody as exhibits, while the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

According to her, the suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Abia State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling crime and maintaining the safety and security of residents across the state.

Chinaka also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent and detect criminal activities.

The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by the Command to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and combat criminal activities across Abia State.

In recent months, security agencies have intensified stop-and-search operations and intelligence-led raids in major urban centres, including Aba and Umuahia, as part of broader measures aimed at reducing armed robbery, cult-related violence, and other violent crimes.