Delta State Police Command has arrested eight suspected criminals, including armed robbers, a gunrunner, and cultists, in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state, recovering four locally made firearms, four live cartridges, one expended cartridge, and a dagger knife. The operations, conducted between July 10 and July 14, 2026, targeted criminal networks involved in armed robbery, illegal arms trafficking, and cult-related activities. Police say the arrests were made possible through credible intelligence and close collaboration with civilian security groups.
On July 14, 2026, at around 5:00 a.m., police operatives, supported by the Civilian Anti-Cult Group, intercepted two suspects along the Asaba-Benin Expressway. The suspects, identified as Stephen Danladi, 29, from Langtang LGA of Plateau State, and Jude Christian, 26, from Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State, were arrested after being tracked based on intelligence. A search of their persons yielded two locally made pistols. Further interrogation led officers to Issele-Asagba in Ogwashi-Uku, where Jerry Egenus, from Atuma-Iga in Oshimili North LGA, was apprehended for allegedly acting as a gunrunner and receiver of stolen property.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are linked to a criminal gang responsible for multiple armed robberies in Okpanam, Asaba, and surrounding communities. The gang is accused of stealing mobile phones, motorcycles, and other valuables. All three suspects and the recovered weapons are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
In another operation on July 12, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., police from the Oghara Division intercepted a silver Lexus RX330 SUV with registration number GRA-168AM during a surveillance patrol. A search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun and one live cartridge. Four suspects were arrested and are being interrogated.
On July 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., operatives from the Ogwashi-Uku Division responded to a distress call in the Polytechnic area and arrested a 24-year-old non-student suspected of being a member of the Eiye Confraternity. From the suspect, police recovered one locally made pistol, three live cartridges, one expended cartridge, and a dagger knife. He is currently in custody as investigations proceed.
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised the operations and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing. He emphasized the importance of dismantling criminal gangs, curbing cultism, and reducing the circulation of illegal firearms. Oyeniyi urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information, assuring them of the police’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property across the state. These arrests mark a significant step in Delta State’s ongoing efforts to restore security and public confidence.
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