Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 42-year-old man, Ogbole Henry, for unlawful possession of firearms and live ammunition during a highway patrol along the notorious “Evil Forest” axis of the Benin-Lagos Road.

Henry, a native of Ewu in Esan Central Local Government Area, was intercepted on September 7 at about 11:30 a.m. by the Safer Highway Patrol Team led by ASP Enenche Christopher.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the team stopped a commercial bus traveling from Lagos to Benin and, upon searching passengers, recovered two locally fabricated pistols, 18 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and 10 live cartridges from the suspect. 

Other passengers were profiled and cleared to continue their journey.

Subsequent investigations linked Henry to a pump-action shotgun and a Lexus RX 330 vehicle believed to be part of his criminal operations. He has since been charged to court, while police have launched a manhunt for other members of his network.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations across the state, warning that “criminally minded individuals will find no safe haven in Edo.” 

He further urged transporters to be vigilant and avoid unwittingly aiding criminals by conveying dangerous passengers.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, pledging relentless efforts to stamp out violent crime in Edo State.