TheCable

The Nigerian army uncovered arms cache linked to suspected political thugs in Rivers after a mop-up operation at Samroyal Hotel in Ahoada East local government area of the state. 

Koko Essien, commander of 2 brigade of the Nigerian army, Port Harcourt, disclosed this while parading six suspected political thugs before journalists on Monday.

He said operations were also conducted in Ogbakiri community in Emohua and Buguma town in Asari-Toru local government areas, as well.

“In continuation of operation to mop up arms and ammunitions in 2 Brigade’s area of responsibility, we conducted series of operations before and during the April 11 elections in Rivers,” he said.

“On April 10, we got information of stockpile of weapons at Samroyal Hotel in Ahoada East and soldiers carried out a cordon-and-search operation on the hotel.”

According to Essien, two suspects were arrested at the hotel with two Pump Action guns; 41 machetes; 55 cartridges and the sum of N300, 000.

Represented by Bayo Lawal, the brigade’s commanding officer, intelligence group, Essien said two suspected political thugs were arrested at Ogbakiri community in Emohua, on April 11.

He said the suspects intimidated the electorate and threatened to disrupt the election in the area.

“Soldiers went after them and arrested two suspects with two AK 47 riffles; three AK 47 magazines and 41 rounds of 7.62mm special live ammunition,” he said.

“Our troops after a hot pursuit arrested two suspected arsonists who set ablaze a building in Buguma town during Saturday’s elections.”

Essien said the soldiers had restored law and order at Buguma town which had witnessed violence by hired political thugs.

The commander said the suspects threw their arms into the river while fleeing from the soldiers but that efforts were being made to retrieve the weapons.