The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested eight suspected criminals during separate operations targeting armed robbery, cultism and illegal possession of firearms across the state.
The police also recovered four locally made guns, four live cartridges, one expended cartridge and a dagger during the operations, which were carried out based on intelligence reports.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the arrests formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle violent crime and improve security in the state.
Edafe said operatives, working with members of the Civilian Anti-Cult Group, arrested two suspected armed robbers along the Asaba-Benin Expressway after acting on credible intelligence.
He identified the suspects as Stephen Danladi, 29, from Langtang Local Government Area of Plateau State, and Jude Christian, 26, from Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to him, a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made pistols.
He added that information obtained during interrogation led detectives to Issele-Asagba in Ogwashi-Uku, where another suspect, Jerry Egenus, was arrested.
The police alleged that Egenus acted as a gunrunner and receiver of stolen items for a gang linked to a series of robberies in Okpanam, Asaba and nearby communities.
Edafe said preliminary investigations showed that the gang specialised in stealing mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuables.
In another operation, operatives attached to the Oghara Division intercepted a silver Lexus RX330 SUV during a patrol. They arrested four suspected cultists after recovering a locally made cut-to-size gun and one live cartridge.
He said the firearm was found on the driver, while the live cartridge was recovered from the vehicle.
Edafe also disclosed that another suspected cultist was arrested in the Polytechnic area of Ogwashi-Uku following a distress call.
According to him, police recovered one locally made pistol, three live cartridges, one expended cartridge and a dagger from the suspect.
He said all the suspects and recovered exhibits are in police custody, while investigations are ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and urged residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies to help fight crime across the state.
