By Augustine Ehikioya
Police personnel in Delta State have arrested suspected armed robbers in series of operations.
They also recovered arms and ammunition in the process.
The recoveries within three days included 3 AK-47 Rifles, 4 Pump Action Guns, One Beretta Pistol, 2 English Revolver Pistols, 6 Locally made Guns, and 87 Rounds of 7.63MM ammunition.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP. Edafe Bright. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “On 28th July 2024, operatives of Dragon Patrol while on stop and search duty along Asaba-Kwale Road intercepted a Sienna vehicle with Reg. no. BDG 385 EC, the driver immediately upon sighting the Police fled into the bush and escaped. Upon search of the car, two (2) AK-47 Rifles, three magazines, and fifty-eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.
“Acting on credible information, the CP’s Special team deployed to Ughelli North LGA led by ASP Julius Robinson, on 25th July, 2024 stormed Oviri-Ogor forest in search of a suspected kidnapper.
“During the operation, a gun ensued between the gang of kidnappers and the Police operatives during which one of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
“The injured suspect later died in the hospital while receiving treatment. Two pump action guns and sixteen rounds of live cartridges were recovered.
On the third case, the statement said “On 26th July, 2024, at about 0130 hours, the DPO Ekpan CSP Aliyu Shaba acting on intelligence stormed Kano road, off DSC, and arrested one Akeni College and upon search of his house, one Beretta pistol, two revolver pistols, six locally made guns and cartridges were recovered.”
The statement also disclosed that “On 25th July, 2024, while operatives of the Command’s Rapid Response Squad while on stop and search duty around Koka in Asaba, they sighted a young man with a bag pretending to be waiting for a vehicle, upon approaching him, the suspect abandoned the bag and escaped and when the bag was searched, one AK-47 Rifle, and twenty-nine rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.”
Manhunt for the fleeing suspect, it said, is ongoing.
Also on 25th July, 2024, at about 1830hours, it said, operatives of the Command’s Rapid Response squad while on stop and search duty along Kwale road, intercepted a Lexus 350 SUV, and upon search of the vehicle, two brand new pump action guns were recovered.
“Four suspects namely; Savage Roland ‘m’ aged 26yrs from Afisere, Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, Clever Imonukore ‘m’ aged 29yrs, Isaac Umukoro ‘m’ aged 49yrs, and Louis Opone ‘m’ aged 40yrs were arrested and investigation is ongoing.” the statement stated.
The Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, according to the statement, has applauded the commitment and dedication displayed by the officers.
He urged other command personnel to key into proactive policing.
He also urged public members to exercise patience, especially during stop and search as it is one of the working proactive policing approaches.
