The statement said, “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational success with the recovery of 36 rounds of live cartridges and the arrest of a suspect during a routine stop-and-search operation in Benin City.”

Providing details of how the operation unfolded, the police stated, “On 23rd May, 2026, at about 13:00hrs, officers attached to Ikpoba Hill Area Command, while on stop-and-search duty at Guobadia Junction along the Benin–Auchi Road, intercepted a mini bus conveying seven passengers from Benin–Auchi Bypass to Ring Road, Benin City.”

The command explained that three passengers attempted to flee during the operation but officers pursued them, saying, “During the operation, three male passengers suddenly abandoned their belongings and attempted to flee the scene. The officers swiftly gave chase and successfully apprehended one of the fleeing suspects identified as Richard Gabriel, 36 years old, from Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.”

The police further disclosed what was found after the suspect was apprehended, stating, “A search conducted on the suspect’s bag led to the recovery of 36 rounds of live cartridges concealed therein.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the officers involved in the operation and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to tackling crime and protecting lives and property across the state.

The development comes months after the police in Delta State announced the recovery of firearms and illicit drugs during operations carried out during the festive period.

During the same operations, police authorities in Delta also announced the arrest of a robbery suspect alongside the recovery of guns and ammunition in Ughelli North Local Government Area.