The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its sustained crackdown on crime and criminal activities across the state, leading to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of a locally made revolver pistol, dangerous weapons, and ten bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The arrests were made in separate intelligence-driven operations carried out by operatives of the Command as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and curb criminality within the state.
In the first operation, operatives attached to the Asaba Area Command Surveillance Team intercepted three suspects during a routine patrol behind the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) premises in Asaba.
The suspects, identified as Musa Sule, 22; Moses Sunday, 26; and Osama Ibrahim, 25, were stopped and searched after the officers developed reasonable suspicion about their activities.
During the search, the operatives recovered a locally made revolver pistol and other dangerous weapons concealed in their possession. The suspects were immediately taken into custody, while the recovered exhibits were secured for further investigation.
Police authorities disclosed that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm and to establish whether the suspects are linked to other criminal activities within and outside the state.
In a separate operation, operatives of the State Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) acting on intelligence intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz station wagon along the Onitsha-Benin Expressway during a stop-and-search exercise.
The vehicle, bearing registration number BEN 982 TE, was occupied by two suspects identified as Hilary Aloma and Oki Joseph, popularly known as “Big Joe.”
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of ten bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp, which had been carefully concealed inside the vehicle.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspected illicit drugs were allegedly being transported from Edo State to Awka in Anambra State before the suspects were intercepted by the police operatives.
The two suspects were subsequently arrested, while the recovered exhibits were taken into custody as evidence.
Police authorities stated that investigations are underway to unravel the full network behind the suspected drug trafficking operation and identify other accomplices connected to the illicit trade.
Commending the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised their dedication to duty and commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.
The Police Commissioner also issued a stern warning to individuals involved in unlawful possession of firearms, drug trafficking, cultism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law.
He reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and protecting communities from criminal elements.
The latest arrests underscore the Command’s ongoing commitment to intelligence-led policing and its determination to rid Delta State of crime and criminality.
