Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested eight suspects in separate intelligence-led operations targeting armed robbery, cultism and illegal firearms possession across the state. The operations also led to the recovery of four locally made firearms, four live cartridges, one expended cartridge and a dagger.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, officers acting on credible intelligence, alongside members of the Civilian Anti-Cult Group, arrested two suspected armed robbers along the Asaba-Benin Expressway. The suspects, identified as Stephen Danladi, 29, and Jude Christian, 26, were found with two locally made pistols during a search.
Police investigations later led operatives to Issele-Asagba in Ogwashi-Uku, where a third suspect, Jerry Egenus, was arrested for allegedly serving as a gunrunner and receiver of stolen property. Preliminary findings suggest the gang specialised in stealing mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuables in Okpanam, Asaba and surrounding communities.
In a separate operation, officers attached to the Oghara Division intercepted a Lexus RX330 SUV during a patrol and arrested four suspected cultists. A locally made firearm and a live cartridge were recovered from the suspects. Another suspected cultist was also arrested in the Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic area after a distress call, with officers recovering a locally made pistol, three live cartridges, one spent cartridge and a dagger.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes through intelligence-led policing and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
