Delta Police Arrest Criminal Suspects, Recover Firearms, 27 Cartridges
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Delta State Police Command has arrested suspected cultists and armed robbers in coordinated operations across Warri, Ughelli and Sapele, recovering three firearms and 27 live cartridges.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said on Monday, that the arrests were made through intelligence-led operations targeting cult activities and armed robbery networks in the state.
On February 27, 2026, at about 11:35 p.m., operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team led by ASP Julius Robinson stormed the Ekredjebor area of Ughelli and arrested Oghenemaro Festus of Upper Agbarho.
According to the police, a pump-action gun loaded with two live cartridges was recovered from the suspect during a search. Investigators believe he is linked to a series of house-to-house robberies in the area. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang said to be at large.
In Sapele, police arrested 21-year-old Prince Omanure, also known as Anini, following complaints by residents about serial robberies allegedly carried out by a motorcycle-riding syndicate.
Edafe said the suspect was apprehended at about 3:35 a.m. on March 1, 2026, during a targeted operation. He reportedly led officers to a bush along the Warri-Sapele Road near the Trailer Park, where a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition had been concealed.
Police said the suspect has provided useful information, and operations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate.
In a separate operation, the Command’s Quick Response Squad, led by SP Achem Collins, raided a building on Okwagbe Street, Igbudu, Warri, following intelligence that suspected cult members were mobilising for attacks.
The operation, carried out at about 9:14 a.m. on February 27, led to the arrest of three suspects: Nelson Mudiagha, alias Diara; Efe Nyore; and Ebube Ifeanyi. Other suspects reportedly fled on sighting the police.
A search of the premises yielded a cut-to-size locally fabricated double-barrel gun and 17 live cartridges concealed within the building. The suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Black Axe confraternity, also known as Ayes.
Investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to arrest fleeing members.
The Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding residents and dismantling violent criminal networks across the state.
He assured law-abiding citizens that the Command remains resolute in tackling cultism, armed robbery and related crimes.
