By Akpos Oghenetega,
The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities across the state with the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of two firearms alongside eight live cartridges in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Ethiope West and Asaba areas of the state.
The operations, carried out by operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit and the Safe Delta team, form part of ongoing efforts by the Command to combat cultism, illegal arms possession, and violent crimes threatening public safety in Delta State.
The Police stated this statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Bright Edafe, on Friday in Asaba, said police operatives attached to the Command Anti-Cult Unit stormed a suspected criminal hideout at Eku-Igun community in Ethiope West Local Government Area in the early hours of May 11, 2026, following credible intelligence reports. The raid, which took place at about 2:30 a.m., led to the arrest of six suspects allegedly linked to an unlawful society operating within the area.
According to him, during the operation, “the police recovered one locally made single-barrel gun, one locally fabricated double-barrel pistol, and two live cartridges from the suspects. Security sources disclosed that preliminary investigations are focused on establishing the suspects’ possible connection to recent cult-related killings and other violent crimes reported in Eku, Igun, Abraka, and neighbouring communities.
The Police Command stated that investigations are ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to track down other fleeing members of the gang believed to have escaped during the operation.
In a separate operation on May 13, 2026, operatives of the Safe Delta team attached to the Head Bridge nipping point intercepted a 32-year-old suspect identified as Mokwunye Prince Jerry during a routine stop-and-search exercise conducted at about 3:40 p.m.
The suspect, who was reportedly riding a motorcycle while carrying a sack bag, attracted the attention of security operatives during the search operation. A thorough search of the bag allegedly led to the recovery of six packets of live cartridges concealed inside the sack.
According to preliminary police investigations, the suspect claimed to be a member of a hunters and vigilante group based in Ibusa. He further informed investigators that one Anthony, who is currently at large, allegedly directed him to collect the ammunition. The Command said investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the movement and intended use of the cartridges.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their professionalism and commitment in carrying out the raids and arrests.
The police commissioner reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to rid Delta State of cultism, illegal firearms, and other criminal activities capable of undermining peace and security across communities in the state.
He also called on residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing investigations and security operations aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
