By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered two locally made firearms, live ammunition and other items during a stop-and-search operation in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, announced the arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday in Asaba, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to curb armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
Edafe said officers attached to the Ebrumede Police Division intercepted three suspected armed robbers along Garki-Uti Road, Effurun, on August 4, 2026, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation.
During the operation, Benjamin Haruna, 28, was arrested, while two other suspects identified simply as Omelo and Alabanco escaped on a motorcycle.
Police said a search of a bag allegedly carried by the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrel guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter and a camouflage military polo.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were transporting the items to a hideout along Sapele Road before they were intercepted by the police.
The arrested suspect remains in custody, while a coordinated manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Commissioner of Police CP Yemi Oyeniyi said the command would sustain intelligence-driven policing to combat armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes, urging members of the public to continue providing useful information to support security operations.
