By Sunday Apah
The Police in Delta State have arrested suspected armed robbers and kidnappers at different locations in the state.
The police also recovered a locally made gun, a locally cut-to-size firearm, one fabricated Beretta-style pistol, ammunition, and cartridges.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Friday, it was stated that some of the suspects were arrested following the handover of a male suspect by the DPO Orerokpe Division to operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson. The team intensified interrogation of the suspect, Dafiaga Timothy, 25, of Effurun Community in Uvwie Local Government Area.
According to the statement, “the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate responsible for terrorising commuters and residents along the Warri–Sapele Road axis.
“At about 0530hrs on 19 February 2026, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located along the Sapele–Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.
“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun, and a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition. In addition, ten live cartridges and a dagger were also recovered.
“The recovery of these weapons has significantly disrupted the operational capability of the criminal syndicate.”
Also, “on 18th February 2026, at about 0500hrs, operatives of the Area Command Warri were on visibility patrol along the Agbarho/Warri Expressway when they intercepted a blue tricycle bearing registration number Anambra ABM 30 QC conveying three occupants.
“Upon conducting a lawful search on them, two of the occupants suddenly fled into a nearby bush in a bid to evade arrest.
“The driver of the tricycle, identified as Aliyu Sabo (male, 25 years), a resident of Hausa Quarter by DSC Roundabout, was swiftly apprehended by the operatives.
“A thorough search of the tricycle led to the recovery of a locally cut-to-size pistol concealed within the vehicle, alongside one live cartridge and one expended cartridge. Also recovered were two mobile phones, a Zealot MP3 player, a face mask, and a black bag.
“The suspect is currently in custody, while an investigation is ongoing to establish his involvement in other criminal activities and to apprehend the fleeing accomplices.”
In a separate development, the DPO, Agbor Division, CSP Micheal Obekpa, led an Anti-Crime Patrol Team to Alihame Community, Agbor, at about 0400hrs on 18 February 2026, following a distress call that a group of hoodlums had invaded Texas Lodge Hostel.
Upon sighting the approaching patrol team, the suspects fled into the surrounding bush.
The area was immediately cordoned off and subjected to a comprehensive combing operation.
During the operation, officers recovered a locally fabricated pistol and an expended cartridge believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
Also recovered at the scene were three mobile phones: an iPhone XR, a Samsung device, and a Tecno touch-light phone, along with an earpod and a power bank.
Preliminary investigation has commenced, while efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism.
He reiterated that the Command remains resolute in dismantling criminal networks, mopping up illegal firearms, and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
He further urged members of the public to remain security conscious and to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police.
