The Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command has successfully disrupted an illegal arms transaction in Ughelli, arresting three suspects and recovering a pump-action gun alongside ₦280,000 in cash.
The operation, which was intelligence-led, was carried out at about 7:15pm on January 3, 2026, at Ovieta Street, Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.
CP-SAT operatives led by ASP Julius Robinson acted swiftly on credible information regarding the planned sale of a firearm, effectively preventing the weapon from entering circulation.
Suspects arrested during the sting operation were identified as Areuro Oke (38), the alleged buyer of the firearm; Onos Echabor (47), said to have acted as the middleman; and Akpofure Emmanuel (45). All three suspects are residents of Ughelli North and Ughelli South Local Government Areas of Delta State.
Speaking during a press briefing in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, described the arrest as part of the command’s sustained and proactive efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks involved in armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
He stated that the suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the weapon and identify other members of the syndicate.
According to him, “the CP-SAT operatives on January 6, 2026, raided Ohoror community along the Ughelli–Patani Road following intelligence on suspected kidnappers. A gun battle ensued after the suspects opened fire, leaving one of them dead, while others escaped. A K-2 rifle, two locally made guns and ammunition were recovered, and a manhunt is ongoing.”
“The police also intensified their crackdown on drug trafficking, as operatives of the Quick Response Squad raided drug black spots in Sapele and Effurun, arresting several suspects and recovering large quantities of illicit drugs.”
“In a related operation, Area Command Effurun raided a drug dealers’ hideout along the Sapele–Warri Road, arresting a female suspect and recovering wraps of substances suspected to be loud, SK and Indian hemp,” Aina Adesola said.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Delta State Police Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and called on members of the public to continue to support the police with timely, credible information to enhance crime-fighting efforts statewide.
