Delta Police Arrest Eight Suspected Robbers, Gunrunner, Cultists; Recover Firearms, Ammunition

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on violent crime with the arrest of eight suspected armed robbers, cultists and an alleged gunrunner in separate intelligence-led operations across the state, recovering four locally made firearms, four live cartridges, one expended cartridge and other dangerous exhibits.

The Command disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, describing the operations as part of ongoing efforts to combat armed robbery, cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms in Delta State.

According to the statement, operatives, working alongside members of the Civilian Anti-Cult group, arrested two suspected armed robbers, Stephen Danladi, 29, from Langtang Local Government Area of Plateau State, and Jude Christian, 26, from Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, along the Asaba–Benin Expressway on July 14 after acting on credible intelligence. A search of the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made pistols.

Further investigation led officers to Issele-Asagba in Oshimili North Local Government Area, where Jerry Egenus was arrested for allegedly serving as a gunrunner and receiver of stolen property. Police said preliminary findings indicate that the suspects are members of a criminal gang linked to a series of armed robbery attacks in Okpanam, Asaba and neighbouring communities, targeting mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuables.

In a separate operation on July 12, operatives of the Oghara Division intercepted a silver Lexus RX330 SUV during a surveillance patrol. A search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the arrest of four suspected cultists after officers recovered a locally made cut-to-size gun concealed on the driver and one live cartridge inside the vehicle.

Similarly, on July 10, officers attached to the Ogwashi-Uku Division responded to a distress call at 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 a dagger knife.

The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and sustained operations against criminal networks, cultism and the illegal circulation of firearms. He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police, assuring the public that the command remains resolute in safeguarding lives and property across Delta State.

Police said all suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue.