Rivers State Police Command on Thursday justified its continuation of stop-and-search operations on the streets of Port Harcourt, the state capital, in order to check violent crimes in the state.
The command deployed its officers and men in the streets in the wake of car bombings in three important locations in Port Harcourt prior to Christmas, in a bid to forestall further attacks on oil facilities and workers.
Vehicles and their owners were thoroughly frisked by the policemen who carried out the assignment with seriousness.
In an interview with our correspondent on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Ireju Barasua, justified the action of the command, arguing that it had helped to reduce violent crimes during the festive season.
It was learnt that the search had led to recovery of many arms and ammunition and the arrest and detention of those possessing the weapons without valid papers.
Although the police spokesman did not give the number of those so far detained, she pointed out that the action of the law enforcement agents made it possible for residents to enjoy their Christmas and New Year.
Barasua said, �Members of the public have confirmed that the celebration of the last Christmas and the New Year was very peaceful and that they went about their activities throughout the period without any form of molestation or harassment.
�This was made possible because the people volunteered information to the law enforcement agents and we were able to take the necessary actions to prevent the commitment of crimes by individuals and groups in the state.�