Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Government, has refuted reports making the rounds on social media that a police officer seconded to the Government House was involved in the unlawful transfer of firearms and was apprehended in Kogi State.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, in a statement, said the report is incorrect, misleading and should be disregarded in its entirety.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the officer referenced in the publication, Inspector Paul Elimwenga, is not an officer of the Edo State Government House. He is a duly deployed personnel of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 5, Ogida, Benin City.
“Confirmation from the SPU Base 5 Administration Office, affirms that Inspector Elimwenga was posted to a VIP residence in the GRA axis, near Government House, not to the Government House itself.
“Available security briefings further indicate that Inspector Elimwenga abandoned his official rifle at his private residence and absconded from duty.
“His last tracked location was in Warri, Delta State. Relevant security agencies have since commenced efforts to apprehend him and subject him to the full weight of the law.
“It is important to state unequivocally that the Edo State Government maintains zero tolerance for any act that threatens public safety or undermines the integrity of the State’s security architecture.
“His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, continues to demand the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and discipline from all security personnel operating within the State, whether directly or indirectly associated with government activities”, the statement added.
The government promised the good people of the state that it remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property.
“Our security agencies continue to work in close coordination, sharing intelligence, strengthening surveillance and responding promptly to emerging threats.
“No individual, regardless of affiliation, will be shielded from accountability for actions that compromise public safety.
“The Edo State Government urges the public to remain calm, law-abiding and wary of sensational misinformation designed to create panic. Accurate updates will be provided through official channels as investigations progress”, the statement said.
Recall that Troops of the 12 Brigade arrested a personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, ACM Anas Muhammed Fakai while conveying two pump action guns and one browning pistol to Abuja.
Fakai with service number 23/42603 was arrested at Kabba junction, Lokoja at about 10:22pm on Tuesday, November 24, 2025.
The suspect, who is serving at 107 AIR Maritime Group on Airport Road, Benin, Edo State, was arrested by troops in conjunction with some operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Upon interrogation, Fakai claimed he was to deliver the weapons to one Constable Mohammed Auwal Haliru, serving at the police headquarters, Abuja.
He also said that the Constable Mohammed Auwal Haliru is an orderly attached to a Commissioner of Police at the force headquarters.
Fakai also alleged that the weapons were given to him for delivery by one Inspector Paul serving in Benin, Edo State.
According to him, the said Inspector Paul is attached to the Government House, Benin City.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect, Anas Muhammed Fakai, attended The Nigeria Police Secondary School, Gusau, Zamfara State, between 2015 – 2019.
The suspect and exhibits are in custody awaiting further directive, the Special Sitrep noted