ASABA — Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have dismantled parts of a suspected armed robbery network, recovering three pump-action guns and three suspected stolen motorcycles while arresting five suspects in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
The command said the arrests were made during coordinated operations aimed at curbing violent crime and enhancing public safety across Delta State.
In a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists in Warri, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed that operatives of the ‘C’ Division, Asaba, on July 27, 2026, intercepted one Joseph Tyavzua during a stop-and-search operation along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway.
According to the statement, the suspect was found in possession of a pump-action gun while attempting to enter Onitsha on a commercial motorcycle.
Edafe said the suspect claimed to be a member of a vigilante group but failed to provide any lawful authorization for possessing the firearm.
“The exhibit was recovered, while the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue,” the statement said.
In a separate operation on the same day, officers attached to the Ekpan Division acted on a report of an armed robbery involving a commercial motorcycle rider along Jakpa Road, Effurun.
The investigation led to the arrest of two principal suspects, Edodo Gift (41) and Emoefe Solomon (27), who allegedly confessed to the robbery.
The suspects subsequently led detectives to two suspected receivers, Fodio Bello (27) and Kabiru Mohammed (25), at Otowhe, near Oleh.
The operation resulted in the recovery of two additional pump-action guns and three motorcycles believed to have been stolen during robbery operations.
Police said all four suspects are in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal syndicate.
Commending the officers for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and the sustained crackdown on violent criminals across the state.
He also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to assist security agencies in combating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property throughout Delta State.
