Rita Enemuru, Reporting
ASABA — Delta State Police have dealt a significant blow to armed criminal networks across the region, recovering three pump-action shotguns and three suspected stolen motorcycles while apprehending five suspects in co-ordinated operations, authorities have confirmed.
In the first incident on 27 July, officers from ‘C’ Division in Asaba intercepted one Joseph Tyavzua during a routine stop-and-search along the bustling Asaba–Onitsha Expressway.
The suspect, who was attempting to cross into Onitsha on the back of a commercial motorcycle, was found to be carrying a pump-action shotgun.
He initially claimed to be a vigilante member but could not produce any lawful documentation authorising him to possess the firearm.
He remains in custody as inquiries continue.
In a separate development on the same day, detectives from Ekpan Division launched a targeted investigation following a report of an armed robbery against a motorcycle rider along Jakpa Road in Effurun.
Their efforts led to the arrest of principal suspects Edodo Gift, 41, and Emoefe Solomon, 27, who subsequently confessed to the crime.
The pair then guided investigators to two suspected receivers — Fodio Bello, 27, and Kabiru Mohammed, 25 — at Otowhe, near Oleh.
The operation yielded two additional pump-action shotguns and three motorcycles believed to have been stolen during previous robbery attacks.
All four suspects are now in custody, with police confirming that efforts are under way to apprehend other members of the gang.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised his officers for their professionalism and reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to intelligence-led policing.
“These successful operations demonstrate our resolve to pursue violent criminals relentlessly,” CP Oyeniyi said. “We will not rest until Delta State is rid of those who seek to terrorise law-abiding citizens.”
He also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support the police in their ongoing efforts to maintain safety across the state.
All five suspects are expected to appear in court once investigations are concluded.
