The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected criminals in separate operations targeting cultism and armed robbery in Umunede and Ughelli, recovering seven firearms, 10 live cartridges, two stolen motorcycles and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The operations, according to the Police, underscore the Command’s renewed efforts to dismantle criminal networks, curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and strengthen security across the state.
In the first operation, which took place on October 30, 2026, at about 1:15 p.m., operatives of the Umunede Police Division, working in collaboration with members of the Umunede Civilian Anti-Cult Group, arrested two suspected cultists following a report of an alleged death threat.
The complainant had reported that one Chibuike Ezeji, 30, allegedly threatened to kill him while brandishing a pistol.
Acting on the complaint, the operatives stormed a residence along Umunede Expressway, reportedly belonging to one Oscar Ignatius, a suspected cultist, where the alleged offender was said to be residing.
The operation resulted in the arrest of Ezeji and another suspect, Ikenna Emeka, 22.
A subsequent search of the premises led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one locally made cut-to-size firearm, three locally made pistols, eight live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis and methamphetamine, popularly known as ice.
In a separate operation in Ughelli, operatives of the Commissioner of Police’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered two stolen motorcycles and additional firearms.
The operation followed complaints of motorcycle snatching by armed men along Stadium Road, Saniko and adjoining areas of Ughelli.
Acting on the intelligence, the operatives, at about 5:30 a.m. on October 28, 2026, raided a suspected criminal hideout in the Ighrovie area, leading to the arrest of Peter Emobaye, 22, and James Emmanuel, 29.
One stolen Qlink motorcycle was recovered during the operation.
Further interrogation reportedly led the suspects to the residence of their alleged gang leader, identified simply as Sunny, in Ufuoma Town.
A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of another stolen motorcycle, identified as a Daylong, one fabricated Beretta pistol, one locally made shotgun and two live cartridges.
The Police said the four suspects were currently in custody, while investigations into the incidents continued.
It added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing alleged gang leader and other members of the suspected criminal syndicate.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid the state of cultism, armed robbery and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
He urged residents to sustain their cooperation with the Police by providing credible and timely information that could assist in identifying criminal elements and preventing security breaches.
The Commissioner assured residents of the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations and protecting lives and property across Delta State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, disclosed this in a press release issued in Asaba on October 31, 2026.
