Zonal Intervention Squad (ZIS) of Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos have arrested two suspected militants said to have participated in botched ship hijack on the high seas.
Sunday Sama, 44 and Olorunjuwonlo Elebiju, 35, were arrested at Ajegunle in Apapa; Lagos on Monday night after the ZIS tracked them to their hideouts.
According to the new AIG, Lawal Shehu, the suspects had in their possession three AK47, AK49, G-3 rifles and 50 rounds of live ammunition.
He said: “Information was received that some unscrupulous elements were noticed around Ajegunle taking precautions to conceal their presence. They were suspected to be cultists. A team of ZIS operatives was detailed to track them.
“At about 9:30 pm, two suspects were arrested with three AK47 rifles, an AK49, a G-3 rifle and 50 rounds of live ammunition.
“Investigation is in progress while efforts are on to arrest others suspects at large. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.”
It was gathered that the suspects both Ondo State natives had conspired with some Ijaw boys to hijack a vessel but they were dislodged by the Nigerian Navy.
While they were being chased, it was gathered that the brain box of their double engine boat fell off.
It was gathered that Elebiju, the alleged armorer of the gang, was to the received reward of N200, 000 but he was given N42, 000 part payment to ferry the weapons back to Ondo State.
Trouble, however, started for the suspects after Sama, who bought one of the Boat’s powerful engines from the gang was apprehended.
Sama told newsmen that he knew the gang through his younger brother, adding that he only bought the power engine from them for N50, 000.
He said: “I bought the power engine for N50, 000. Then they gave me the bag of weapons to keep for them, which I did for some days. They later collected the bag and gave it to Elebiju. So, when police arrested me, I took them to him and he showed them where the guns were. Those other guys are Ijaw boys from Delta State.”
