By Kenneth Orusi, Managing Editor
The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on the proliferation of illegal firearms following the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of two pump-action guns, 18 live cartridges and other dangerous items in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, issued the statement on behalf of the Command on September 13, 2026.
The operations were carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU) in Obiaruku and Isupe Community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
In the first operation, VCRU operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a residence in Obiaruku on September 12, 2026, following information that the occupant was allegedly in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The occupant, identified as 36-year-old Joel Iwomi of Umuebu, Obiaruku, reportedly resisted the operatives’ attempt to gain access to the premises.
The officers eventually gained entry and conducted a search of the residence, during which one pump-action gun and 18 live cartridges were recovered.
Iwomi was subsequently arrested and taken into police custody, while investigation into the matter is ongoing.
In a separate operation conducted on September 9, CACU operatives arrested Chukwuka Nzete, also known as “Ododo,” of Isupe Community, Ndokwa West LGA.
Nzete was reportedly suspected of involvement in the illegal sale and proliferation of firearms, as well as operating a shrine allegedly used to fortify suspected criminal elements.
A search of his residence allegedly led to the recovery of another pump-action gun, four dagger knives, one battle axe and pots containing substances suspected to be charms.
The suspect was also taken into custody as detectives commenced investigation to establish the full extent of his activities and possible links with other criminal elements.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to prevent criminal elements from gaining access to illegal firearms and other weapons capable of threatening public safety.
Erale also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information on suspicious persons, illegal firearms and criminal activities within their communities.
He assured members of the public that actionable information provided to the police would be treated with the necessary confidentiality.
