The Abia State Police Command has arrested two suspects for allegedly being in unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition in Aba.

The suspects, identified as David Emmanuel, 33, and Joel Emeka, 25, were apprehended by officers attached to the Nediegoro Divisional Police Headquarters during a stop-and-search operation.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa.

According to the statement, the arrest took place on June 12, 2026, along Azikiwe Road by Kent Road in Aba after police operatives intercepted an auto rickshaw carrying the suspects.

Chinaka explained that during the operation, one of the occupants of the tricycle managed to escape, while the other two were immediately arrested by the officers.

She stated that a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, one live round of ammunition, live cartridges, a small black bag, and the tricycle used for transportation.

The police spokesperson said all recovered items had been taken into custody as exhibits, while the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

According to her, the suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Chinaka reaffirmed the commitment of the Abia State Police Command to tackling criminal activities and maintaining the safety and security of residents across the state.

She also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing and detecting crime.

The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by the police to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and combat criminal activities across Abia State.

In recent months, security agencies have intensified stop-and-search operations and intelligence-led raids in major cities such as Aba and Umuahia as part of measures aimed at reducing armed robbery, cult-related violence, and other violent crimes.