ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its crackdown on illegal arms trafficking, intercepting two suspected gun runners and recovering a large cache of firearms and ammunition during routine stop-and-search operations.
In a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that the arrests were made in two separate operations carried out by operatives of the command.
The first operation, conducted on March 3, 2025, at about 12:00 p.m., saw police officers attached to Dragon 14 intercept a blue Toyota Camry with registration number PHC 257 NT along the Warri-Benin Road near Western Delta University, Oghara. The vehicle, driven by 55-year-old Peter James from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, raised suspicion due to its unusually compact trunk. A thorough search led to the discovery of a hidden compartment behind the back seat, where three AK-47 rifles and a substantial stockpile of ammunition were concealed. The seized items included 2,080 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition and 1,040 rounds of 51mm ammunition neatly packed in four boxes.
SP Edafe confirmed the arrest, stating, “The suspect is in custody, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the network behind this arms trafficking. The diligence of our officers prevented these dangerous weapons from reaching criminal elements.”
In another operation on March 6, 2025, at about 11:00 a.m., operatives of Dragon Patrol Team 02 intercepted a navy-blue Sharon space bus with registration number DKA 408 LM along the Asaba-Benin Expressway near the National Open University, Onicha-Ugbo. The vehicle was driven by 69-year-old Yahuza Magaji, accompanied by 17-year-old Abba Sani, both from Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Disguised as traders transporting palm oil and gari, the suspects were found to be concealing seven pump-action guns and 1,600 rounds of live cartridges hidden in five cartons beneath the back seat.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the firearms were procured in Onitsha and were being transported to Kaduna State.
Commending the officers for their vigilance, Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, reiterated the command’s commitment to making the state uninhabitable for criminals.
“These recoveries are a testament to our proactive policing strategy aimed at ensuring the safety of residents. I urge all officers to remain relentless in their duty to protect lives and property,” he stated.
The police have assured that investigations are ongoing to track the supply chain of the illegal arms and apprehend other suspects involved. This latest operation highlights the Delta State Police Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks before they pose greater security threats.
