The Delta State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in its ongoing battle against crime, recovering a substantial cache of weapons and arresting several suspects over a three-day period. The haul includes three AK-47 rifles, four pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, two English revolver pistols, six locally made guns, and eighty-seven rounds of 7.63mm ammunition.

On July 28, 2024, operatives of the Dragon Patrol intercepted a Sienna vehicle with registration number BDG 385 EC during a stop-and-search operation along Asaba-Kwale Road. The driver fled into the bush upon sighting the police. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and fifty-eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

On July 25, 2024, acting on credible information, the Commissioner of Police’s Special Team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, stormed Oviri-Ogor forest in Ughelli North LGA. A gunfight ensued between the police and a gang of kidnappers, resulting in one suspect sustaining serious injuries. The suspect later died in the hospital. The operation led to the recovery of two pump-action guns and sixteen rounds of live cartridges.

On July 26, 2024, the DPO of Ekpan, CSP Aliyu Shaba, acting on intelligence, stormed Kano Road, off DSC, and arrested a suspect, Akeni College. A search of his house led to the recovery of one Beretta pistol, two English revolver pistols, six locally made guns, and ammunition.

On July 25, 2024, the Command’s Rapid Response Squad, while on stop-and-search duty around Koka in Asaba, sighted a young man with a bag. Upon approaching him, the suspect abandoned the bag and fled. A search of the bag revealed one AK-47 rifle and twenty-nine rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. A manhunt for the fleeing suspect is ongoing.

Also on July 25, 2024, the Rapid Response Squad intercepted a Lexus 350 SUV during a stop-and-search operation along Kwale Road. A search of the vehicle uncovered two brand new pump-action guns. Four suspects, identified as Savage Roland (26), Clever Imonukore (29), Isaac Umukoro (49), and Louis Opone (40), were arrested. Investigations are ongoing.

Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the officers for their dedication and urged all command personnel to continue proactive policing. He also requested public patience during stop-and-search operations, emphasizing its importance as a proactive measure.