The Delta State Police Command has arrested seven suspects and recovered two firearms alongside eight live cartridges in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
According to the command, the operations were part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on cultism, illegal possession of firearms and other violent crimes in Delta State.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed that operatives attached to the Command’s Anti-Cult Unit raided 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 operation, six suspects allegedly linked to an unlawful society were arrested. The police also recovered a locally made single-barrel gun, a double-barrel locally made pistol and two live cartridges from the suspects.
The command said investigations were ongoing to determine the suspects’ involvement in recent cult-related killings and other violent crimes reported in Eku, Igun, Abraka and neighbouring communities, while efforts were being intensified to arrest other fleeing gang members.
In another operation, operatives of Safe Delta attached to the Head Bridge nipping point intercepted a 32-year-old suspect identified as Mokwunye Prince Jerry during a stop-and-search duty on May 13, 2026, at about 3:40 p.m.
Police said the suspect was riding a motorcycle and carrying a sack bag when he was searched, leading to the recovery of six packets of live cartridges.
Preliminary investigation, according to the police, revealed that the suspect claimed to be a member of a hunters and vigilante group in Ibusa and alleged that one Anthony, who is currently at large, directed him to collect the ammunition.
The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for the successful operations and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating criminal activities across the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to assist the police in improving public safety.
