ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has recorded fresh operational breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across the state with the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of firearms and live cartridges in separate intelligence-led operations.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Asaba by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, , who said the operations formed part of sustained efforts by the Command to combat cultism, illegal possession of firearms, and violent crimes across Delta State.
According to the statement, operatives attached to the Command’s Anti-Cult Unit, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected criminal hideout at Eku-Igun community in Ethiope West Local Government Area on May 11, 2026, at about 2:30 a.m.
During the raid, six suspects allegedly linked to an unlawful society were arrested, while security operatives recovered one locally-made single-barrel gun, one double-barrel locally-made pistol, and two live cartridges from the suspects.
The police said investigations were ongoing to determine the suspects’ possible involvement in recent cult-related killings and other violent crimes recorded in Eku, Igun, Abraka, and neighbouring communities.
The Command added that efforts were already being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang.
In a separate operation carried out by operatives of the Safe Delta team attached to the Head Bridge nipping point on May 13, 2026, at about 3:40 p.m., one suspect identified as Mokwunye Prince Jerry, aged 32, was intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect was riding a motorcycle and carrying a sack bag when he was stopped and searched by the operatives.
During the search, six packets of live cartridges were allegedly recovered from the sack bag in his possession.
According to the police, preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect claimed to be a member of a hunters/vigilante group in Ibusa and further alleged that one Anthony, who is currently at large, instructed him to collect the ammunition.
The police stated that investigations into the matter were ongoing.
Commending the operatives for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to tackling cultism, illegal arms possession, and other violent crimes in the state.
The Commissioner of Police also urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with credible and timely information capable of assisting ongoing security operations and improving public safety across Delta State.
