Delta Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robbers, Cultists, and Drug Peddlers, Recover Firearm and Illicit Substances

By Diafa Doubra,

The Delta State Police Command has recorded yet another breakthrough in its ongoing clampdown on criminal activities, with the arrest of suspected armed robbers, cultists, and drug peddlers in separate sting operations across the state. The operations also led to the recovery of an English pistol loaded with live ammunition and a large cache of illicit drugs.

In the first operation carried out on September 17, 2025, officers of the Ogwashi-Uku Division, led by Divisional Police Officer (DPO) CSP Israel Okomoyon, mounted a joint patrol in collaboration with local vigilantes. During the exercise, the team intercepted three young men on a motorcycle.

The suspects identified as Emmanuel Ibekwe age 25, Victor Chibuzor, age 25, and Zakaria Joro, age 25, all residents of Ogwashi-Uku — were subjected to a search. Police reports revealed that an English pistol loaded with two rounds of live ammunition was recovered from them. Unable to provide a credible explanation for possessing the firearm, the suspects were immediately taken into custody and handed over to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation. 

Four days earlier, on September 13, 2025, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, led by SP Danyaya Yunusa, in synergy with the Nigeria Hunters Forest Security Service (NHFSS), acted on credible intelligence to dismantle a suspected drug syndicate in Agbor.

The team stormed a hotel along the Asaba-Benin Expressway, arresting ten adult suspects, including the hotel owner, Markwuye Peter of Ifeanchukwu Street, Agbor. A significant quantity of illicit drugs was recovered during the raid. Police say investigations are ongoing to uncover the extent of the group’s network and activities.

Speaking on the success of the operations, Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling crime across the state. He emphasized that the latest arrests highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing, community collaboration, and rapid response strategies.

“The safety and security of Deltans remain our utmost priority. These breakthroughs demonstrate our renewed operational drive and determination to rid the state of criminal elements. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to the police, as their cooperation is crucial in achieving lasting peace,” the CP said.

The Command assured residents that discreet investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will face the full weight of the law.