Arrested crime suspects
Delta State Police Command has intensified its offensive against violent crime with the arrest of eight suspected criminals, including alleged armed robbers, cultists and a suspected gunrunner, in a series of coordinated operations across the state.
The operations, carried out in different locations, also led to the recovery of four locally made firearms, four live cartridges, one expended cartridge and a dagger knife.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the arrests followed intelligence-driven operations targeting armed robbery, cultism and the illegal circulation of firearms.
The command disclosed that one of the major breakthroughs came in the early hours of July 14, when operatives, working alongside members of the Civilian Anti-Cult group, tracked suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate along the Asaba-Benin Expressway.
The operation resulted in 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.
Police said a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made pistols.
Investigators later acted on information obtained during preliminary interrogation, leading to the arrest of Jerry Egenus in Issele-Asagba, Ogwashi-Uku. He is alleged to be involved in supplying firearms and receiving stolen property.
According to the police, preliminary findings suggest the suspects belong to a criminal gang linked to several armed robbery incidents in Okpanam, Asaba and neighbouring communities, where mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuables were reportedly stolen.
In another operation on July 12, operatives attached to Oghara Division intercepted a silver Lexus RX330 SUV with registration number GRA-168AM during a surveillance patrol.
A search of the occupants led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun concealed by the driver, while a live cartridge was found inside the vehicle.
The four occupants were immediately taken into custody, while investigations continue.
Similarly, police operatives in Ogwashi-Uku arrested a 24-year-old suspect believed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity following a distress call around the Polytechnic area on July 10.
Recovered from the suspect were a locally made pistol, three live cartridges, one expended cartridge and a dagger knife.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to tackle criminal activities across the state.
He said the command remains committed to intelligence-driven policing aimed at dismantling criminal networks, tackling cult-related violence and preventing the spread of illegal firearms.
The police commissioner urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of aiding crime prevention and ensuring public safety.
He assured Deltans that the command would remain steadfast in its efforts to protect lives and property across the state.
