Nigerian Navy arrest 2 hoodlums with ballot boxes, arms in Ondo State

The Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy (NN) on Monday said it arrested two hoodlums with ballot boxes, five pump action riffles and ammunitions in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The command’s spokesperson, Lt. Commander Abdusalam Sanni, made the disclosure while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on the navy’s operation during Saturday’s elections.

He expressed satisfaction with the command’s security arrangements, adding that Nigerian waters were safe from illegalities during the Governorship and House of Assembly polls.

He said the command’s unit called “Forward Operating Base’’ in Igbokoda, Ondo State, arrested the two hoodlums with ballot boxes, guns and ammunitions.

“The hoodlums opened fire on our men and we were able to overpower and capture them.

“The hoodlums were found with some ballot boxes, five pump action guns and ammunitions.

“They have since been handed over to the Ondo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution,’’ he said.

Sanni said the command had adequate manpower that patrolled the sea and land to compliment the Nigerian Police Force in ensuring the elections were peaceful.

“We have been patrolling the sea days before the Governorship and House of Assembly elections just as we did during the Presidential,’’ he said.

According to him, the command did not make any arrest in the waters in Lagos State.

“We started our patrol even before the election period and we made sure the waters were safe, even up till the election day and till now,’’ he said.

NAN recalls that the navy also apprehended a suspected pirate, while patrolling the sea in preparation for the just-concluded elections.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Jonathan Ango, had said the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Usman Jibrin had zero tolerance for illegalities on the Nigerian Waters.