Police arrests suspected robbers, recover firearms in Delta operations

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and kidnapper, recovering several locally fabricated firearms and ammunition in separate operations across the state.

According to Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, the operations were carried out by different tactical units of the police.

In one operation, men of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, uncovered a suspected criminal armoury along the Sapele–Warri Road axis.

The operation followed the handover of a 25-year-old suspect, Dafiaga Timothy, by the Divisional Police Officer of Ororokpe Division. The suspect, from Effurun Community in Uvwie Local Government Area, is alleged to be part of a syndicate terrorising commuters and residents along the Warri–Sapele Road.

Police sources said the suspect provided information during interrogation that led officers to the concealed armoury at about 5:30 a.m. on February 19, 2026, near the Adheje Community axis of the Sapele–Warri Road.

A search of the hideout recovered a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size firearm, and a fabricated Beretta-style pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition.

Ten live cartridges and a dagger were also recovered.

“The suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located along the Sapele–Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis. A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun, and a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition. In addition, ten live cartridges and a dagger were also recovered,” the statement said.

Police said the recovery has weakened the syndicate’s operational capacity. “Investigation is ongoing,” the statement added.

In a separate operation, operatives of the Area Command in Warri arrested a suspected armed robber along the Agbarho/Warri Expressway.
The arrest occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on February 18, 2026, during a visibility patrol, when police intercepted a blue tricycle with registration number Anambra ABM 30 QC carrying three occupants.

During a lawful search, two occupants fled into a nearby bush while the driver, identified as Aliyu Sabo, 25, a resident of Hausa Quarter by the DSC Roundabout, was arrested.

A search of the tricycle recovered a locally cut-to-size pistol, one live cartridge, and one expended cartridge. Two mobile phones, a Zealot MP3 player, a face mask, and a black bag were also found.

“A thorough search of the tricycle led to the recovery of a locally cut-to-size pistol concealed within the vehicle, alongside one live cartridge and one expended cartridge. Also recovered were two mobile phones, a Zealot MP3 player, a face mask, and a black bag. The suspect is currently in custody, while an investigation is ongoing to establish his involvement in other criminal activities and to apprehend the fleeing accomplices,” Edafe said.

Police said investigations are ongoing to locate the fleeing suspects and determine the driver’s involvement in other crimes.

Meanwhile, operatives also foiled a robbery attempt at a hostel in Agbor. According to police, the Divisional Police Officer of Agbor Division, CSP Micheal Obekpa, led an anti-crime patrol team to Alihame Community at about 4:00 a.m. on February 18, 2026, following a distress call that hoodlums had invaded Texas Lodge Hostel.

On sighting the patrol team, the suspects fled into the surrounding bush. The area was sealed off and searched.

During the operation, officers recovered a locally fabricated pistol and an expended cartridge abandoned by the fleeing suspects. Three mobile phones, an iPhone XR, a Samsung device, and a Tecno touch-light phone were also recovered, alongside an earpod and a power bank.

“During the operation, officers recovered a locally fabricated pistol and an expended cartridge believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects. Also recovered at the scene were three mobile phones: an iPhone XR, a Samsung device, and a Tecno touch-light phone, along with an earpod and a power bank. Preliminary investigation has commenced, while efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects,” Edafe said.

Reacting to the developments, the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism.

He restated the command’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks, mop up illegal firearms, and ensure perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice. He also urged residents to remain security conscious and continue providing timely and credible information to the police.

Police arrests suspected robbers, recover firearms in Delta operations