ASABA/Nigeria: Two separate police operations in Obiaruku and Isupe Community, Delta State, have led to the arrest of two men and the recovery of pump-action guns, live cartridges and other weapons, according to the state police command.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, 2026, identifying the suspects as 36-year-old Joel Iwomi of Umuebu, Obiaruku, and Chukwuka Nzete, also known as “Ododo,” of Isupe Community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
The operations, conducted by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), respectively, followed intelligence received by the command concerning suspected possession and circulation of firearms.
In Obiaruku, VCRU operatives reportedly encountered resistance while attempting to gain access to Iwomi’s residence on September 12. The police said the officers eventually entered the premises and recovered one pump-action gun and 18 live cartridges during a search.
Iwomi was arrested and taken into custody, while investigation continues, the statement said.
Three days earlier, on September 9, CACU operatives had arrested Nzete in Isupe Community over alleged involvement in the illegal sale and proliferation of firearms.
The police further alleged that Nzete operated a shrine where suspected criminal elements were fortified. A search of his residence reportedly produced another pump-action gun, four dagger knives, one battle axe and pots containing substances suspected to be charms.
The command said Nzete remained in custody as investigators worked to establish the extent of his alleged activities and possible links with other criminal elements.
Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to restricting criminal access to illicit firearms and other dangerous weapons.
Erale urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious persons, illegal firearms and criminal activities in their communities. He assured the public that actionable information would be treated confidentially.
The police said investigations into both cases are ongoing.
