The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against crime with the arrest of two suspected gun runners and the recovery of a significant cache of firearms and ammunition during stop-and-search operations.
The operations, carried out under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, led to the seizure of three AK-47 rifles, seven pump-action guns, 3,120 rounds of ammunition, and 1,600 rounds of live cartridges from two separate suspects intercepted in different locations within the state.
On March 3, 2025, at about 12:00 p.m., operatives attached to Dragon 14 patrol team intercepted a blue Toyota Camry with registration number PHC 257 NT along Warri/Benin Road by Western Delta University, Oghara. The driver, Peter James, 55, an indigene of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was stopped for a routine search.
Upon inspection, officers noticed the unusually small trunk of the vehicle, raising suspicions. A thorough search led to the discovery of a modified compartment under the seat containing three AK-47 rifles, 2,080 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, and 1,040 rounds of 51mm ammunition packed in four boxes. The suspect was immediately taken into custody, and investigations are ongoing.
On March 6, 2025, at about 11:00 a.m., operatives of Dragon Patrol Team 02 stopped a Navy Blue Sharon space bus with registration number DKA 408 LM along Asaba/Benin Expressway by the National Open University, Onicha-Ugbo. The vehicle, driven by Yahuza Magaji, 69, accompanied by Abba Sani, 17, both from Lere Local Government Area, Kaduna State, was disguised as a trader’s vehicle transporting palm oil and garri.
A thorough search uncovered seven pump-action guns and 1,600 rounds of live cartridges concealed under the back seat. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects purchased the weapons in Onitsha and were transporting them to Kaduna State. They were immediately arrested, and further investigations are ongoing.
Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda praised the officers for their diligence in detecting and intercepting the illegal arms. He encouraged other personnel of the command to remain vigilant and committed to making Delta State unsafe for criminal activities.
The Delta State Police Command reassures residents of its dedication to ensuring security and tackling illegal arms proliferation in the state.