The Edo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for two suspected armed robbers who fled on a motorcycle after abandoning a bag containing four firearms and other incriminating items at a police checkpoint along the Auchi-Okene Expressway.
The suspects reportedly approached the stop-and-search point on a motorcycle but fled after attempting to evade the police search.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspects allegedly offered money to a police officer in an attempt to avoid being stopped.
According to Ikoedem, the officer rejected the alleged bribe and insisted on carrying out the stop-and-search exercise.
She said the suspects subsequently abandoned the bag in their possession and sped away on the motorcycle before they could be apprehended.
A search of the abandoned bag led to the recovery of four firearms, comprising three pump-action guns and a military rifle, as well as 25 live cartridges.
The police also recovered a battle axe, screwdriver and other items suspected to be connected to criminal activities.
The command said efforts were underway to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while investigation into the recovered weapons and other exhibits had commenced.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist operatives in tracking down the suspects.
