The Abia State Police Command says it has recovered thousands of illegal arms of different sizes used by criminals and gun runners for various criminal activities.

Displaying the arms and its ammunition at the Central Police Station, Bende Road ,Umuahia,the commissioner of Police, Anthony Ogbizi disclosed that most of the arms were recovered from suspects and called on the members of the public to partner with the police on information that will assist to fish out more criminals from their hideouts.

The CP said that the strategy embarked by the police to rid the state of violent crimes is yielding result as they would not relent in their constitutional duty to ensure that the state is safe and secure for all citizens.

According to the police, illegal ammunition such as pump action gun, locally made pistols, cartridges, were recovered from different locations in the state, some from private individuals while huge quantities from the criminals.

“Anybody that illegal arms are recovered from is a suspect, many of them have been convicted, some are already remanded in prison, very few are recovered from private individuals while many were recovered from the criminals and in the course of action.

“We are showing Nigerians the arms that the police has so far recovered, the exercise is ongoing, We will continue to mop up arms.

“We are appealing to members of the public to give us useful information as it regards the gun runners and those who are in possession of the arms as well as where these arms are being produced in the state by mopping them up.

“We will provide a safe and secure environment for all residing in Abia State to go about their lawful businesses, the exercise also is also getting rid of hoodlums particularly violent criminals”.

The CP says that the massive mop-up of illegal arms would send a signal that no one is permitted to own or carry a gun under any disguise as it is illegal or unconstitutional, adding that anyone found guilty will be made to face the law.