By Odita Sunday
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected armed robbers and cultists in separate operations across the state, recovering seven firearms, 10 live cartridges, two suspected stolen motorcycles and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the arrests followed separate intelligence-led operations in Umunede and Ughelli.
According to Edafe, two suspected cultists were arrested on October 30 following a complaint by a resident of Umunede that one of the suspects allegedly threatened to kill him while brandishing a pistol.
He said the complainant reported the matter at the Umunede Division at about 1:15pm, prompting operatives of the division, in collaboration with members of the Umunede Civilian Anti-Cult Group, to launch an operation.
“The operation led to the arrest of Chibuike Ezeji, male, 30 years, and one Ikenna Emeka, male, 22 years,” Edafe said.
According to him, the suspects were arrested at a residence along the Umunede Expressway belonging to a suspected cultist, where the alleged offender was reportedly residing.
A search of the premises, Edafe said, led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one locally-made cut-to-size gun, three locally-made pistols and eight live cartridges.
“Substances suspected to be cannabis and methamphetamine, popularly known as ice, were also recovered,” he added.
Edafe said the suspects were in custody while investigations were ongoing.
In another operation, operatives of the Commissioner’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered two suspected stolen motorcycles, two firearms and two live cartridges in Ughelli.
Edafe said the operation followed complaints about motorcycle snatching by armed men along Stadium Road, Saniko and adjoining areas of Ughelli.
He explained that CP-SAT operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout in the Ighrovie area of Ughelli at about 5:30am on October 28, leading to the arrest of Peter Emobaye, 22, and James Emmanuel, 29.
“One stolen Qlink motorcycle was recovered from the suspects,” he said.
According to the police spokesman, preliminary interrogation of the suspects led operatives to the residence of their alleged gang leader, identified simply as Sunny, in Ufuoma Town.
He said a search of the premises led to the recovery of another suspected stolen Daylong motorcycle, one fabricated Beretta pistol, one locally-made shotgun and two live cartridges.
Edafe said the two suspects remained in custody, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing alleged gang leader and other members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling cultism, armed robbery and the proliferation of illegal firearms across the state.
Erale urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information, assuring residents of sustained efforts to protect lives and property.
According to SP Bright Edafe, the Delta State Police Command remains committed to intensifying operations against criminal elements and ensuring improved security across the state.
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