Two suspected political thugs have been arrested as voters prepare to cast their ballots at the Edo State governorship election.
The Nigeria Police Force announced that they were arrested during an overnight raid across several locations.
The operation was confirmed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement he shared on X/Twitter on Saturday.
Adejobi said the suspects—Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, 41—were apprehended in separate incidents.
He said Obanor, who is believed to be a leader of an armed group, was arrested around 9 p.m. at Oredo Ward 4, while Tajudeen, a member of one of the leading political parties from Ugbogbo Quarters, Igara Akoko, was arrested in the Igara Akoko area.
He said acting on a tip-off, the police swooped on them and recovered three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols from Obanor and one locally made gun from Tajudeen.
“This is a significant breakthrough in our efforts to curb electoral violence,” Adejobi said, highlighting the police forces commitment to maintaining peace and order during the governorship election.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate any violence or disorderliness during the election in Edo State,” he added.
He said both suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
EDO GUBER: Two Suspected Political Thugs Arrested With Firearms is first published on The Whistler Newspaper