The Edo State Police Command has arrested two individuals for unlawful possession of firearms during a coordinated bush-combing operation across parts of the state.

This was revealed in a statement issued on Monday by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who identified the suspects as 30-year-old Julius Omagbogwu and 45-year-old Omika Musa.

According to the statement, the operation formed part of the command’s intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements and recover illegal weapons.

“On October 31, 2025, at about 08:00 hours, operatives of the Ehor Division, led by CSP Akwaha Steven, in collaboration with local vigilante personnel, carried out an intensive bush-combing exercise across Egbisi, Equaholor, and Uhi communities,” Ikoedem stated.

The operation, which targeted suspected criminal hideouts within dense forest areas, led to the recovery of three single-barrel shotguns and the arrest of the two suspects for unlawful possession.

Ikoedem further noted that preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the firearms and uncover any possible criminal networks connected to the suspects.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the Ehor Divisional Police Officer and his team, as well as the vigilante groups, for their vigilance and proactive intelligence that resulted in the successful operation.

Agbonika reaffirmed the command’s dedication to ensuring public safety across the state and urged residents to remain law-abiding while providing credible information that could aid crime prevention through official police communication channels.