By Ebinum Samuel
The Delta State Police Command says it has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained offensive against armed robbery, cultism, the proliferation of illegal firearms and other violent crimes, with the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of four locally made firearms, four live cartridges, one expended cartridge, a dagger knife and other exhibits in separate operations across the State.
The enigmatic image maker of the Command, SP Edafe Bright disclosed that on 14th July 2026, at about 5:00 a.m., acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of a suspected armed robbery gang, operatives, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Anti-Cult group, mobilised and trailed the suspects along the Asaba–Benin Expressway. The operation led to the arrest of Stephen Danladi (29) of Langtang LGA, Plateau State, and Jude Christian (26) of Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State. A search of the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made pistols.
Preliminary interrogation of the suspects yielded further intelligence, which led operatives to Issele-Asagba, Ogwashi-Uku, where one Jerry Egenus of Atuma-Iga, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State, was arrested for his alleged involvement as a gunrunner and receiver of stolen property. Preliminary investigation further indicates that the suspects are allegedly members of a gang linked to a series of armed robberies in Okpanam, Asaba and adjoining areas, particularly involving the theft of mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuables. The suspects and recovered exhibits are in custody and investigation is ongoing.
“Similarly, on 12th July 2026, at about 4:30 p.m., operatives of Oghara Division, while on surveillance patrol, intercepted a silver Lexus RX330 SUV with registration number GRA-168AM. The four occupants were subjected to a search, during which one locally made cut-to-size gun concealed on the driver was recovered, while one live cartridge was recovered from the vehicle. The suspects were arrested, and the investigation is ongoing”
“On 10th July 2026, at about 1400hrs, following a distress call, operatives of Ogwashi-Uku Division swiftly mobilised to the Polytechnic area, where they arrested a 24-year-old non-student suspected to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity. Recovered from the suspect were one locally made pistol, three live cartridges, one expended cartridge and one dagger knife. The suspect and recovered exhibits are in police custody, while investigation is ongoing”, Edge said
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led and proactive policing operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, combating cultism and curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms across the State. He urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely, credible and actionable information, assuring residents that the command will remain relentless in its efforts to safeguard lives and property throughout Delta State.
