The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of 1,671 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), ballot papers and other materials in an apartment in the Olodi-Apapa area of Lagos State.
It was learnt that personnel of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army assisted by the Department of State Services (DSS) made the arrests and recovery on Wednesday.
However, the prime suspect said to be the owner of the apartment is said to be on the run.
Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Isang Akpaumontia, paraded the suspects and recovered PVCs, ballot papers and other items before journalists at the Ikeja Cantonment on Wednesday.
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The army general said that the arrests and recovery were made following a tip-off.
A perusal of the recovered PVCs showed that most had 2022 as registration number, and others had years 2011, 2012 and 2021, with all the owners being residents of Lagos State.
Briefing journalists, Akpaumontia said that the suspects would be dealt with in accordance with the law to discourage others from violating the law.
“Earlier today (yesterday), three young men were arrested with 1,671 PVCs. This was after early information was received. With the support of the Department of State Services, DSS, we were able to arrest them.
“They were arrested with some drugs, dagger, charms and over 1,000 PVCs. They were arrested at the Apapa general area, in a house where we traced them to. The owner of the house, who is the prime suspect, was traced to a hotel. But he took off.
“We are going to hand these suspects and exhibits over to our immediate headquarters to do the needful because things have to be done the way they should, so as to discourage others who think they can take laws into their hands and go scot-free.”