The Edo State Government has refuted a widely circulated online report alleging that a police officer attached to the Government House was connected to the illegal movement of firearms recently intercepted in Kogi State.

According to the government, the allegation is false, misleading, and completely detached from established security records.

In an official statement, the government clarified that the officer mentioned in the viral report — Inspector Paul Elimwenga— is not and has never been deployed to the Edo State Government House.

SPU Confirms Officer’s Real Posting

A verification exercise by the Nigerian Police Special Protection Unit (SPU) revealed that Elimwenga is actually a personnel of SPU Base 5.

Contrary to online speculation, he was posted to the residence of a VIP located within the GRA area of Benin City, a neighbourhood close to Government House but not part of its official security operations.

The SPU administrative office reiterated:

“Inspector Elimwenga was assigned to a VIP residence near Government House — not to the Government House itself.”

Further checks showed that the embattled officer abandoned his service rifle at his private residence before fleeing duty.

Rogue Officer on the Run

Security briefings provided to the Edo State Government disclosed that Elimwenga’s last traceable location was Warri, Delta State.

Both SPU operatives and state tactical teams have launched a coordinated manhunt to apprehend him and commence internal disciplinary and criminal procedures.

Authorities stressed that the suspended officer has no link whatsoever to the firearms intercepted in Kogi, contrary to claims being pushed online.

They described the viral story as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and stir unnecessary panic.

Edo Government Reinforces Commitment to National Security

In a separate statement, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, reaffirmed the state’s strong stance on professionalism and accountability within its security network.

Quoting the governor, he said: “The Edo State Government maintains zero tolerance for any act that threatens public safety or undermines the integrity of the state’s security architecture.”

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The administration also echoed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national security directive, emphasizing that the state remains aligned with federal efforts to eliminate security threats across the country.

‘No One Will Be Shielded’ — Government Assures Residents

The state urged citizens to remain calm, insisting that no officer or individual will escape accountability if found culpable in any wrongdoing.

“No person, regardless of affiliation, will be protected if they compromise public safety,” Itua stated.

The government encouraged the public to rely on verified security updates from SPU Base 5 and official state communication channels, rather than misinformation circulating online.

It concluded by noting that investigations remain ongoing across national security units as part of Nigeria’s broader security enforcement strategy.