By Augustine Ehikioya
Police personnel in Delta State through three different operations have arrested four suspected armed robbers, kidnappers, cultist.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP. Edafe Bright. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
Giving details on the first operation, it said “On 9/5/2024 at about 0430hrs, the special team deployed to Ughelli by the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi led by ASP Julius Robinson acting on technically generated intelligence stormed Oghara town and arrested a 28yrs suspect who is a member of Eiye confraternity resident in Oghara Delta State.
“The suspect led the operatives to a hotel in Koko Junction, Oghara where another suspect aged 46yrs and a member of Eiye confraternity was arrested and an automatic Pump Action gun was recovered from him.
“Consequently, upon further interrogation of the two suspects, they led the operatives to the arrest of another 32 yrs old suspect in Sapele, Delta State where one new AK-47 rifle with and an empty magazine were recovered.”
The statement through preliminary investigation also revealed that suspects were linked to a series of kidnappings in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and the environs.
The suspects, it said, are in custody while investigation is ongoing.
On the second operation, it said “In another development, on 09/5/2024 at about 2205 hrs, acting on credible intelligence, operatives on special assignment at Ughellli have been following up on a notorious cultist/gun runner named Okobe Ability ‘m’, stormed Oleh town in Isoko North LGA of Delta State, but the suspect upon sighting the Police operatives dropped a black polythene bag and escaped. Upon search of the bag,
“One baretta pistol, and five(5) live ammunition were recovered,” the statement added
Efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect, it said, are ongoing.
Speaking on another case, the statement said “On 8/05/2024 at about 1630hrs, while Dragon Tactical Patrol Teams were conducting a stop and search along Ogwashi-Uku/Kwale Road, they intercepted a red commercial Toyota Sienna space van conveying passengers from Asaba to Warri.
“Upon search of the vehicle and occupants, one Favour Eze, a 24yrs male native of Amasiri Village in Afikpo L.G.A, Ebonyi State was arrested in possession of one Locally Made Pistol, hard drug suspected to be loud, and human hair, all concealed in a bag of cloths.
“The suspect was arrested alongside the exhibits. The suspect is in custody and investigation is ongoing.” it stated.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has commended officers and men of the command for their continuous resolute in the fight against crime and criminality.
He also warned that in the discharge of their duty, they must respect the rights of citizens and ensure that they discharge their duties in accordance with the law.
He also advised members of the public to cooperate with the Police, especially during stop search
The CP reiterated that proactive policing is key in the fight against crime and criminality.
He urged members of the public to exercise patience when interfacing with the police, especially during stop and search operations.
