Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Delta State Police Command has uncovered a suspected criminal armoury and foiled an attempted hostel robbery in a series of early-morning operations across the state.
Police say the coordinated efforts led to the recovery of several locally fabricated firearms, live ammunition and the arrest of key suspects linked to armed robbery and kidnapping activities.
Secret Armoury Discovered Along Warri–Sapele Axis
In a major breakthrough, operatives from the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) uncovered a hidden weapons cache following the arrest and interrogation of a 25-year-old suspect, Dafiaga Timothy, from Effurun Community in Uvwie Local Government Area.
The suspect, handed over by the Divisional Police Officer in Ororokpe, is alleged to be part of a criminal syndicate responsible for terrorising commuters along the Warri–Sapele Road.
Acting on intelligence obtained during questioning, officers were led at about 5.30am on 19 February to a concealed armoury along the Sapele–Warri Road near Adheje Community.
A thorough search of the hideout yielded a locally made long gun, a cut-to-size firearm and a fabricated Beretta-style pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition. Officers also recovered ten live cartridges and a dagger.
Police believe the seizure has significantly disrupted the gang’s operational capability. Investigations are ongoing.
Suspected Armed Robber Arrested on Expressway
In a separate operation on 18 February at approximately 5.00am, operatives from the Warri Area Command intercepted a blue tricycle along the Agbarho/Warri Expressway.
During a lawful search of the vehicle, two occupants fled into nearby bushland. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Aliyu Sabo, was apprehended at the scene.
A search of the tricycle led to the recovery of a locally cut-to-size pistol concealed inside the vehicle, along with one live cartridge and one spent cartridge. Officers also seized two mobile phones, a Zealot MP3 player, a face mask and a black bag.
The suspect remains in custody while investigations continue to determine his involvement in other criminal activities and to trace his fleeing accomplices.
Hostel Robbery Attempt Foiled in Agbor
Meanwhile, in Agbor, police thwarted an attempted robbery at Texas Lodge Hostel in the Alihame Community during the early hours of 18 February.
Responding to a distress call at about 4.00am, the Divisional Police Officer of Agbor Division led an anti-crime patrol team to the scene. On sighting the approaching officers, the suspected hoodlums fled into surrounding bushland.
A subsequent combing operation resulted in the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol and an expended cartridge believed to have been abandoned by the suspects. Officers also recovered three mobile phones — including an iPhone XR, a Samsung device and a Tecno touch-light handset — as well as an earpod and a power bank.
Efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Police Commissioner Commends Officers
The Commissioner of Police for Delta State, Aina Adesola, praised officers for their vigilance and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks, mop up illegal firearms and ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
The Police also urged members of the public to remain security conscious and to provide timely and credible information to assist ongoing operations.
The statement was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Command in Asaba.
