ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has arrested five suspects in separate operations in Ughelli North and Ika South Local Government Areas, recovering two firearms, ammunition and other items as investigations continue into suspected criminal activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Asaba on Sunday, October 18, 2026. He said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations by operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) and the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU).
In the first operation, CP-SAT operatives arrested a 29-year-old man, identified as Thankgod Ejakpomewhe, during a raid in Ujode community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, on October 16.
According to the police, the operation followed intelligence about the activities of a suspected armed robbery syndicate allegedly terrorising the community.
A locally made long gun and one live cartridge were reportedly recovered from the suspect, while other alleged members of the group escaped during the operation.
The command said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation conducted on October 15, operatives of SAKU, Ubuluku, arrested four persons during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Alisimen community, Ika South Local Government Area.
The four suspects were identified as Okwunzuwa Rubben, 28; John Onyeka, 42; Uzoma Ifeyinwa, 20; and Osas Atoe, 22.
Police said the operation led to the recovery of a firearm described in the statement as a double-barrelled pump-action gun, alongside a laptop, six mobile phones, a camouflage cap and a jacket.
A further search of the suspects’ residence reportedly yielded five live cartridges.
The command did not disclose the specific criminal allegations against each of the four suspects or clarify the ownership of all the recovered items. Investigations are ongoing to establish their alleged roles and the circumstances surrounding the recoveries.
Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, commended the operatives for their efforts and reiterated the command’s determination to disrupt criminal networks and curb the illegal circulation of firearms.
Erale warned individuals involved in criminal activities to desist, adding that the police would continue to take lawful action against suspected offenders.
He also urged residents to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and apprehending suspects.
The police said investigations into the cases were continuing.
