The people of Opu-Nembe in Nembe local government area of Bayelsa State have commended the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, following the arrest of five armed youths and recovery of cache of arms and ammunition in a sting operation in the community over the weekend.
The sting operation was in response to several petitions by concerned people of the community to the Police, following activities of armed youths bordering on heinous crimes.
A statement by the Bayelsa Police Command through its spokesman, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the sting operation, recovery of arms, and ongoing investigation.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to state categorically that a detachment of Mobile Policemen (PMF) and SWAT operatives from Force Headquarters, Abuja carried out a sting operation in Nembe Bassambiri on 12 August 2023. Some arms and ammunition were recovered and suspects were arrested.
“The sting operation was conducted professionally, based on the standard operating procedure of the Nigeria Police Force. No life was lost.
“Members of the community are urged to go about their lawful and legitimate businesses as the Police would not harass or intimidate any law-abiding citizen. Investigation is ongoing, and the outcome will be made public,” the PPRO stated.
Meanwhile, the action of the IGP has received commendation from the concerned citizens of Opu-Membe, who urged the Police to remain in the community so as to sustain the peace.
At a press conference addressed on Sunday by Chief Kienghosuote Degi, the people applauded the deployment of the Police team to salvage the community and return it to normalcy.
Chief Degi recalled the press conference convened in July, where they appealed to the IGP to intervene and save the people of the community from armed youths.
He said the prompt response of the IGP demonstrated his readiness to curtail crime and criminality and protect the people.
Chief Degi urged those who had been forced to flee the community to return home and carry out their legitimate activities as peace had been restored by the IGP.
“We, the Concerned Citizens of Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) Community wish to warmly appreciate and commend the effort of the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force for their quick response to our plea for peace in Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) community.
“For the Security Agents’ action to arrest those hoodlums and cult boys terrorising our dear kingdom is further demonstration of its readiness to give justice and the desired peace and security, as sacrosanct duty of the security agents in the country.
“We believe strongly that, this action taken will definitely serve as a deterrence to any other barbaric and unsavoury acts of intimidation and harassment, killing, raping and looting, as well as destruction of houses and property belonging to innocent and law-abiding citizens of Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) Community,” he stated.
Chief Degi expressed optimism that the other fleeing armed youths would be apprehended by the Police to face the wrath of the law.
