The Nigeria police operatives have finally retired a suspected cultist, Andrew Friday, after he attempted to ship three locally made Beretta pistols through Flight Transport Services on Akpakpava Road in Benin City, Edo State.
The 27-year-old entrepreneur of illegal arms who treated the arms as mere interstate cargo bound for Benue State, was arrested by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit using technical intelligence and sustained investigation.
His arrest followed a distressed call from management at the transport company on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, after they realized nobody usually ships firearms with their morning groceries.
Briefing newsmen at the police headquarters, Edo State Commissioner of Police CP Patrick Daaor noted that upon searching the abandoned sack, officers discovered a creative camouflage strategy: unripe plantains concealing three locally made Beretta pistols, proving that local fruit packaging has officially entered a dangerous new era.
“Upon searching the abandoned sack, officers discovered unripe plantains concealing three locally made Beretta pistols, the commissioner stated.
He disclosed that the suspect confessed to sending the sack and admitted membership of a secret cult confraternity, confirming that his criminal resume was just as leafy as his shipping container.
The suspect casually told police detectives that the firearms had been handed to him by one Bance, surname unknown, from Iyanomo Community in Edo State.
He also claimed that the exhibits were meant for emergency repairs in Benue State and subsequent use in an ongoing cult rivalry, having learned that local gunsmiths are difficult to find in Benin City.
“The firearms had been given to him by one Bance, surname unknown, from Iyanomo Community, allegedly for repairs in Benue State, and subsequent use in an ongoing cult rivalry”, the police boss said.
He further revealed that diligent investigation is ongoing to apprehend other suspects connected with the criminal case, ahead of his upcoming arraignment in court.
