Operatives of the Taraba State Police Command have arrested a 31-year-old man in possession of an illegal firearm.

The feat, according to the command, was achieved during a stop-and-search operation in Karim-Lamido Local Government Council.

The arrest, according to a statement issued to journalists on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, James Lashen, took place at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, when a team of Mobile Police officers from the 40 PMF Jalingo, led by ASP Bitrus Benson, intercepted the suspect, identified as Gali Yunana, at the Munga Lelau area.

“Yunana, a resident of Munga Doso village, was found in possession of a British Beretta pistol with its breach number deliberately erased, along with two live rounds of ammunition,” the statement read.

According to the police statement, the suspect confessed during interrogation that the pistol had belonged to his late brother, Odoji Yunana. Authorities say the case remains under active investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, commended the officers for their vigilance and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ridding the state of illegal weapons and criminal activity.

“This arrest is a direct result of the Command’s ongoing security review in Karim-Lamido. We will continue to intensify our efforts to ensure the safety and security of all residents,” said the police.

The police urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.