Police Recover Locally Made Pistol After Suspects Flee in Bayelsa

(Pistol. Photo by Punch News)

The Bayelsa State Police Command has recovered a locally made pistol after suspected drug users fled from a patrol team in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The command said the recovery was made on Friday, July 4, at about 2:00pm, when operatives attached to the Ekeki Divisional Headquarters were on routine patrol along Osiri Road in the Tombia area.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, the officers observed a group of youths allegedly taking illicit drugs.

However, on sighting the police patrol team, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning a locally made pistol, which was subsequently recovered by the operatives.

The police spokesperson said investigations had since commenced, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, adding that the command remains committed to proactive policing and continues to urge members of the public to provide credible information that would assist in combating crime and enhancing public safety across the state.

The Bayelsa State Police Command has in recent months intensified intelligence-led patrols and stop-and-search operations across Yenagoa and other parts of the state as part of ongoing efforts to curb violent crime, cult-related activities, and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

Security agencies have repeatedly warned that the abuse of illicit drugs among youths is contributing to rising cases of armed r0bbery, cult clashes, and other violent crimes, and have continued to encourage residents to provide timely and credible information to support crime prevention efforts.

The Nigeria Police Force has also sustained campaigns aimed at recovering illegal weapons from circulation, maintaining that removing illicit firearms from communities remains critical to improving public safety and reducing violent crime nationwide.