By Sunday Apah
The police in Delta State have arrested 36 suspected internet fraudsters and armed robbers, and recovered a locally fabricated cut-to-size gun and two live cartridges in different locations in the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, on March 30th, 2026, it was stated that the breakthrough against the fraudsters came when operatives of the Quick Response Squad, led by SP Collins Arrey, raided a location in Opete on 28 March 2026. The location was suspected to be a hub for internet fraud activities.
According to the police spokesman, the operation was the result of information received from a distress caller, who reported that her younger brother had sent a distress message saying he was being held hostage and forced to engage in cybercrime (internet fraud).
“The operation exposed an organised network of young suspects operating from a residential apartment converted into a cybercrime base.
Thirty-four suspects were arrested on the spot. Items recovered include 37 laptops, 1 iPad, 7 mobile phones, and a calabash containing suspected charms, indicating the scale and organised nature of the operation.”
In another development, on 29 March 2026 at about 0900hrs, operatives of the Department of Operations, Delta State Police Command, while on patrol along Ogbolu/Illah Road, intercepted a tricycle conveying two occupants under suspicious circumstances.
On sighting the operatives, the tricycle rider feigned compliance, while one of the passengers suddenly alighted and fled into a nearby bush in a bid to evade arrest.
The suspect was immediately pursued. Upon being confronted, he attempted to resist arrest by attacking the operatives with a wooden object, but was subdued and arrested.
A search conducted on the tricycle led to the recovery of a locally fabricated cut-to-size gun loaded with two live cartridges, confirming criminal intent.
The suspect, later identified as Mustapha Musa (M), aged 32 years, from Kogi State, alongside the tricycle rider, Iyanosor Ogbizi (M), aged 34 years, were arrested and taken into custody.
Both suspects are in custody, and the recovered exhibits have been transferred for further investigation.
