By Sunday Apah
The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of several individuals suspected of armed robbery, gunrunning, and cultism across various locations in the state.
The operations also led to the recovery of locally made firearms, live cartridges, and other exhibits.
According to a statement released by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, operatives, in collaboration with the Civilian Anti-Cult group, acted on credible intelligence to apprehend two suspected armed robbers, Stephen Danladi (29) and Jude Christian (26), along the Asaba–Benin Expressway on July 14, 2026, at approximately 5:00 a.m. Two locally made pistols were recovered from them.
Further interrogation led to the arrest of Jerry Egenus in Issele-Asagba, Ogwashi-Uku, who is suspected of being a gunrunner and receiver of stolen property.
Preliminary investigations suggest these individuals are part of a gang linked to a series of armed robberies in Okpanam, Asaba, and surrounding areas, primarily targeting mobile phones, motorcycles, and other valuables.
In a separate incident on July 12, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m., operatives of the Oghara Division intercepted a silver Lexus RX330 SUV.
A search of the vehicle and its four occupants revealed a concealed locally made cut-to-size gun on the driver and one live cartridge within the vehicle. All suspects were arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
Additionally, on July 10, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., following a distress call, Ogwashi-Uku Division operatives responded to the Polytechnic area and arrested a 24-year-old non-student suspected of being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.
Recovered from him were a locally made pistol, three live cartridges, one expended cartridge, and a dagger knife.
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the command’s dedication to intelligence-led policing to dismantle criminal networks, combat cultism, and curb the proliferation of illegal firearms.
He urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to assist law enforcement in safeguarding lives and property across Delta State.
