ASABA/Nigeria: Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a suspected illegal firearm fabricator and a drug dealer while recovering several locally made guns and quantities of suspected hard drugs in separate intelligence-driven operations across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, noting that the arrests were part of the command’s intensified proactive policing strategy aimed at combating crime and protecting lives and property across the state.
According to the police spokesperson, operatives of the Raiders Squad acting on credible intelligence raided a suspected illegal firearm manufacturing depot in Emuhu Community, Ika South Local Government Area, in the early hours of March 6, 2026, at about 5:00 a.m.
The operation, led by the Commander of the Raiders Squad, SP Akanya Agbogha, resulted in the arrest of a 59-year-old suspect identified as Friday Ojei, who was believed to be involved in the fabrication of illegal firearms.
A search conducted at the premises led to the recovery of four locally fabricated guns, alongside equipment suspected to be used for the illegal production of firearms. Items recovered include a welding machine, drilling machine, grinding machine and assorted metal pipes believed to be used in the fabrication process.
Police authorities said the suspect is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the illegal firearm production network operating in the area.
In another development, a combined patrol team comprising operatives of the Ovwian-Aladja Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Ekundayo Friday, alongside members of the Police Raiders Volunteers, Anti-Cult Volunteers and Hunters Volunteers, recovered a locally made gun during a stop-and-search operation along Film Hall Road in Ovwian-Aladja.
The patrol team reportedly sighted a group of suspected hoodlums who immediately fled on noticing the approaching security operatives. The officers pursued the suspects who abandoned a black bag during the chase.
A search of the bag led to the recovery of a locally made short gun, which has since been secured as an exhibit, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Similarly, operatives of the Ovwian-Aladja Police Station arrested a suspected drug dealer during a targeted raid along Oruworowh Road in Udu Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out based on credible intelligence and led by the Divisional Crime Officer in collaboration with members of the Anti-Cult Volunteer Group, resulted in the arrest of a 43-year-old woman identified as Esther Etafo.
Police said a search conducted at the premises led to the recovery of various quantities of suspected hard drugs including cannabis, popularly known as weed, kolos, ice, loud and fermented Indian hemp.
Also recovered were three blenders suspected to be used in processing the substances as well as the sum of ₦55,000 believed to be proceeds from the illicit drug trade.
The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation as further investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, commended the professionalism and vigilance displayed by officers involved in the operations and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to assist the police in combating criminal activities.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying operations aimed at ridding Delta State of criminal elements and ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state.
