By Our Correspondent
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a vigilante member, Enediong Bassey, 25, from Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Bassey was apprehended on November 22, 2024, at Nkwelle-Ezunaka, with a pump-action gun concealed in a bag of rice.
According to the state’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Bassey confessed to being a member of a security outfit/vigilante and was on his way to join a criminal gang for armed robbery and other illicit activities.
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has reiterated the call for profiling of vigilante members in line with Community Policing Principles, adding,”This follows complaints and unprofessional conduct by some security outfits and vigilante members.
The PPRO said the CP had directed the immediate transfer of the suspect to the Anti-robbery squad for comprehensive investigations.
The PPRO’s read in part, “Police Operatives attached to 3-3 Police Divisional headquaters led by CSP Emeka Obi acting on credible information on 22/11/2024 by 6:38 pm arrested one Enediong Bassey ‘M’ 25yrs a native of Ikono LGA of Akwa Ibom State and recovered one Pump action gun wrapped in a bag of rice at Nkwelle – Ezunaka.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a security outfit/vigilante and was about to escape with the gun to join his criminal gang, for armed robbery and other unpatriotic activities.
“Given the above and following other complaints and unprofessional conduct by some security outfits and vigilante members, the Commissioner Of Police, *CP Nnaghe Obono Itam* in line with the principles of Community Policing reiterates the calls for profiling of security operatives assisting the Police and other security agencies on anti-crime operations to improve safety in the State.
“The CP also directs the immediate transfer of the suspect to the Anti-robbery squad of the Command for comprehensive investigations.”
