Edo State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Kokumo, said plans by some suspected armed robbers to attack banks, shops and other commercial places in Benin City, have been uncovered.
The police boss, while disclosing this in Benin, stated that strong intelligence report pointed to the fact that the bandits had procured guns and other dangerous weapons to unleash terror against the people of Edo State
Kokumo stated that some flash points where notorious criminal activities take place such as highways linking the state had all been secured and assured travellers of a smooth journey into Edo State.
He decried the release of over 2,000 criminals from the two correctional centres in Benin City, adding that their release had led to crime upsurge in the state.
The Commissioner of Police disclosed that Armoured Personnel Carriers and other crime fighting equipment had been put in place to combat any security breach in the state.
He boasted that the police had the capacity and will deal with any person or group of persons that might want to cause mayhem before, during and after the yuletide.
Kokumo stated that adequate security had been put in place in the state towards a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations and advised the people not to panic.
He appealed to the people to report any suspicious character in their vicinity to the police for immediate action as any credible information can help in removing a criminal off the street.