The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against cultism, illegal arms possession and drug abuse with the arrest of a suspected armed robber in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspected drug dealers across parts of the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Asaba by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.
Edafe said that operatives of the Commissioner of Police–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, carried out an intelligence-led operation in Abraka on Dec. 6 at about 7:30 a.m.
He explained that the operation followed credible intelligence on the suspected illegal possession of firearms at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of one Isiakpere Friday, aged 67.
During the search of the premises, police operatives recovered two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges concealed within the building.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody for further investigation, as police expand inquiries to establish his possible links to cult groups, arms suppliers and other criminal networks operating within the area.
Edafe also disclosed that in a renewed offensive against drug abuse and trafficking, operatives of the Buffalo Unit conducted a series of targeted raids across known drug flashpoints in the state.
He said the operations were carried out at areas including the popular Play- Learn area, Sweet Spirit area and Pinnacle Junction.
According to him, the operations led to the arrest and subsequent arraignment of 18 male suspects before a competent court on Dec. 5.
The suspects include Wisdom Nwanze (38), Godspower Vincent (25), Trust Bobua (17), David Mifford (21), Friday Daniel (35), Emmanuel Dakuru (25), Innatji Ekenea (27), Umar Isah (22), Samuel Hosanna (31), Rabiu Abubakar (31), Dada Usman (22), Dada Usman (20), Danjuma Jonathan (31), Onyeka Solomon (16), Garba Abdullaman (20), Rolniho Paul (26), Abwal Clarius (30) and Aliyu Abubarka (22).
He added that the suspects were remanded in custody pending the perfection of their bail conditions.
The commissioner commended the operatives for their professionalism and effectiveness, noting that the arrests and recoveries underscored the command’s sustained commitment to intelligence-led policing.
He warned that the command would not tolerate cultism, illegal arms trafficking, drug abuse or any criminal activity capable of disrupting public peace in the state.
The commissioner also urged residents to continue to support the police with credible and timely information to enhance overall security across Delta.
