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By Faheem Lawal
Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspected gunrunner and seven other suspects in separate operations carried out in Issele-Asagba, the Asaba-Benin Expressway, Oghara and the Polytechnic area of Ogwashi-Uku.
Police recovered four locally made firearms, four live cartridges, one expended cartridge, a dagger and other exhibits during the operations.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, said that in the first operation, conducted on July 14, 2026, at about 5 a.m., operatives acting on credible intelligence concerning the activities of a suspected armed robbery gang, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Anti-Cult Group, tracked and arrested Stephen Danladi, 29, of Langtang Local Government Area of Plateau State, and Jude Christian, 26, of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, along the Asaba-Benin Expressway.
A search of the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made pistols.
“Preliminary interrogation of the two suspects yielded further intelligence that led operatives to Issele-Asagba, Ogwashi-Uku, where Jerry Egenus, of Atuma-Iga in Oshimili North Local Government Area, was arrested for his alleged involvement as a gunrunner and receiver of stolen property.
“Investigation further indicated that the three suspects are allegedly members of a gang linked to a series of armed robberies in Okpanam, Asaba and adjoining communities, particularly involving the theft of mobile phones, motorcycles and other valuables.
“In the second operation, on July 12, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m., operatives of the Oghara Division on surveillance patrol intercepted a silver Lexus RX330 SUV with registration number GRA-168AM.
“A search of the four occupants led to the recovery of one locally made cut-to-size gun concealed on the driver and one live cartridge from the vehicle. All four occupants were arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
“In the third operation, on July 10, 2026, at about 2 p.m., following a distress call, operatives of the Ogwashi-Uku Division mobilised to the Polytechnic area, where they arrested a 24-year-old non-student suspected to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.
“Recovered from the suspect were one locally made pistol, three live cartridges, one expended cartridge and one dagger.
“The suspects and recovered exhibits are in police custody while investigations continue. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”
The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing aimed at dismantling criminal networks, combating cultism and curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms across the state.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to assist the police in tackling crime.
