In a coordinated sting operation across two Delta State communities, the police have arrested six suspects linked to gunrunning and cultism. The raids, carried out by the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and items suspected to be used for cult activities.
According to the Delta State Police Command, the first operation took place at around 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, in the Okpanam area near Asaba. A 36-year-old woman, Ekene Chroma, and her 18-year-old accomplice, Okafor Jonathan, were arrested for their alleged involvement in gunrunning.
Both suspects are residents of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area. During the raid, police recovered two English single-barrel pistols and 110 live cartridges from the suspects.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying:
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are involved in the illegal trade of firearms. Both individuals and the recovered weapons are currently in police custody while further investigations continue.”
In a related operation earlier that same week, the CP-SAT team also stormed a suspected cultist hideout in Mosogar, Ethiope West Local Government Area, around 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 11.
Led by ASP Julius Robinson, officers raided the residence of two suspects — Koko Josh (29), from Otor-Iyede in Isoko North, and Asomugha Clinton (27), from Mbaise in Imo State.
During the search, police found a black bag containing a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with two live rounds, two locally made firearms, eight cartridges, multiple mobile phones, a laptop, and fetish items.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two more suspects, both residents of Adam Street in Mosogar:
- Anthony Kelvin (26), from Orhoakpor in Ethiope East
- Gift Amotsuka (25), from Jakpa in Warri North
All six suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda praised the public for supporting the police with credible information that made the operations successful.
“These achievements are a result of strong public cooperation. We urge all well-meaning residents of Delta State to continue partnering with us in the fight against crime,” he said.
The Delta State Police Command has assured the public of its continued efforts to rid the state of illegal weapons, cult violence, and other criminal activities.
Got a tip? Report suspicious activities in your area to the nearest police station or dial the Command emergency lines.
