The Rivers State Police Command has recovered an illegal firearm concealed inside a loaf of bread and arrested a suspect during a stop-and-search operation in Port Harcourt.
Command spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed the arrest on Friday while briefing journalists.
–‘How the gun was found–
According to Agabe, operatives intercepted a vehicle along Azikiwe Road near Red Cross Junction during a routine stop-and-search. A thorough search of the occupants led to the discovery of a Browning pistol “ingeniously concealed inside a loaf of bread.”
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“The pistol was recovered from Mr Braya Nanas, a resident of New Road, Borikiri, who was travelling as a passenger in the vehicle,” she said.
–‘Suspect’s confession and ongoing probe—
Preliminary investigations showed the firearm had no visible serial number. Agabe said the suspect allegedly admitted ownership during interrogation.
“The suspect confessed that he purchased the firearm in Okirika Local Government Area for N800,000,” she stated.
She added that investigations are ongoing to trace the weapon’s source and determine if it is linked to any criminal activities.
—CP warns of “deceptive methods”—
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, said the concealment reflects how criminals are changing tactics to avoid detection.
“The discovery of a firearm hidden inside a loaf of bread demonstrates the increasingly deceptive methods employed by criminal elements to evade detection,” Adepoju said through the command.
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He urged residents to be cautious of suspicious persons, packages, and activities, and warned against accepting, transporting, or storing items with unknown contents.
“Effective policing thrives on strong community partnership. If you see something, say something. Together, we can build a safer, more secure and crime-free Rivers State,” he added.
The command reiterated its commitment to combating crime and protecting lives and property across the state.
