Delta police arrest eight suspects, recover illegal firearms in crackdown
Eight Arrested in Delta State Police Operations
Delta State Police Command has apprehended eight individuals in connection with various criminal activities, including armed robbery, gunrunning, and cultism, during separate operations throughout the state.
According to a statement from Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe, officers conducted their first operation on July 14, 2026, around 5:00 a.m. This followed credible intelligence about a suspected armed robbery gang. Police operatives, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Anti-Cult group, tracked the suspects along the Asaba-Benin Expressway. As a result, Stephen Danladi, 29, from Plateau State, and Jude Christian, 26, from Imo State, were arrested. A search of the suspects uncovered two locally made pistols.
Further investigation led officers to Issele-Asagba in Ogwashi-Uku, where Jerry Egenus, allegedly involved in gunrunning and the receipt of stolen property, was detained. Authorities indicated that these suspects are linked to recent armed robbery incidents in Okpanam, Asaba, and surrounding areas, primarily targeting mobile phones, motorcycles, and other valuables. The suspects and the illicit items are currently in police custody as the investigation progresses.
In a separate operation on July 12, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., officers from the Oghara Division intercepted a silver Lexus RX330 SUV during a surveillance patrol. A search of the vehicle’s occupants revealed a locally made gun concealed on the driver, along with one live cartridge. Four individuals were subsequently arrested in connection with this incident.
Additionally, on July 10, 2026, at around 2:00 p.m., officers from the Ogwashi-Uku Division responded to a distress call in the Polytechnic area, leading to the arrest of a 24-year-old man suspected of being affiliated with the Eiye Confraternity. Recovered from the suspect were a locally made pistol, three live cartridges, one expended cartridge, and a dagger knife. This individual and the seized items are also in custody pending further investigation.
Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi emphasized the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven and proactive policing in Delta State. He reiterated that efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, combat cult-related activities, and address the proliferation of illegal firearms will continue. Oyeniyi also urged residents to provide the police with timely and actionable information, assuring them of the command’s dedication to protecting lives and property across the region.
