The Delta State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate intelligence-led operations targeting armed robbery, cultism and illegal arms trafficking across the State.
According to the police, four locally made firearms, live ammunition and other incriminating exhibits were recovered.
The arrests, carried out in Asaba, Oghara and Ogwashi-Uku, form part of the command’s ongoing offensive against violent crime and the proliferation of illegal weapons.
This was contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Tuesday.
On July 14, operatives, working with members of the Civilian Anti-Cult Group, acted on credible intelligence and trailed suspected armed robbers along the Asaba–Benin Expressway.
The operation led to the arrest of Stephen Danladi, 29, from Langtang Local Government Area of Plateau State, and Jude Christian, 26, from Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
A search of the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made pistols.
Police said further interrogation led officers to Issele-Asagba in Oshimili North Local Government Area, where Jerry Egenus was arrested for allegedly acting as a gunrunner and receiver of stolen property.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are linked to an armed robbery syndicate responsible for a series of attacks in Okpanam, Asaba and surrounding communities, involving the theft of mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuables.
In a separate operation on July 12, operatives of the Oghara Division intercepted a silver Lexus RX330 SUV with registration number GRA-168AM during a surveillance patrol.
A search of the vehicle’s four occupants led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun concealed on the driver, while a live cartridge was found inside the vehicle.
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The four suspects were arrested and are assisting investigators.
First Daily had earlier reported that on July 10, officers of the Ogwashi-Uku Division responded to a distress call around the Polytechnic area, where they arrested a 24-year-old man suspected to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.
Police recovered a locally made pistol, three live cartridges, one expended cartridge and a dagger knife from the suspect.
The police described him as a non-student and said investigations are continuing.
All eight suspects and the recovered exhibits are in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
Commenting on the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led and proactive policing aimed at dismantling criminal networks, combating cult-related violence and curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms across the state.
He urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, assuring the public that the command would remain relentless in its efforts to protect lives and property throughout Delta State.
