The Delta State Police Command has arrested eight suspected armed robbers, cultists and an alleged gunrunner in separate intelligence-led operations across the state, recovering four locally made firearms, four live cartridges, one expended cartridge, a dagger knife and other incriminating exhibits.
The command said the operations formed part of its sustained offensive against armed robbery, cultism, the proliferation of illegal firearms and other violent crimes.
According to a statement issued Tuesday in Asaba by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Anti-Cult group, arrested two suspected armed robbers in the early hours of July 14 along the Asaba–Benin Expressway.
The suspects, identified as Stephen Danladi, 29, from Langtang Local Government Area of Plateau State, and Jude Christian, 26, from Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, were apprehended following credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected robbery gang.
Edafe said a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made pistols.
He disclosed that intelligence obtained during interrogation led operatives to Issele-Asagba in Ogwashi-Uku, where one Jerry Egenus of Atuma-Iga, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, was arrested for allegedly serving as a gunrunner and receiver of stolen property.
Preliminary investigation, according to the police, indicates that the suspects belong to a criminal gang linked to a series of armed robbery attacks in Okpanam, Asaba and neighbouring communities, particularly involving the theft of mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuables.
In another operation on July 12, operatives attached to Oghara Division intercepted a silver Lexus RX330 SUV with registration number GRA-168AM while on surveillance patrol.
The police said the four occupants of the vehicle were searched, leading to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun concealed on the driver, while one live cartridge was found inside the vehicle.
The four suspects were subsequently arrested, while investigations have commenced to determine their alleged involvement in cult-related activities.
Similarly, operatives of the Ogwashi-Uku Division arrested a 24-year-old suspected member of the Eiye Confraternity following a distress call around the Polytechnic area on July 10.
Recovered from the suspect were one locally made pistol, three live cartridges, one expended cartridge and a dagger knife.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are in police custody as investigation continues.
Commending the operatives for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing aimed at dismantling criminal networks, combating cultism and curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms across the state.
He urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, assuring that the command would remain steadfast in protecting lives and property across Delta State.
