Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested seven suspects and recovered two firearms and eight live cartridges in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The arrests followed sustained crackdowns on criminal elements, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.

In one of the operations, police anti-cult operatives, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Eku-Igun community in Ethiope West Local Government Area on May 11, 2026, at about 2:30 am.

The statement said, “operatives attached to Command Anti-Cult Unit, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Eku-Igun community in Ethiope West Local Government Area.”

During the raid, six suspects linked to an unlawful society were arrested, while weapons were recovered from the scene, including “one locally made single-barrel gun, one double-barrel locally made pistol, and two live cartridges,” the police said.

SP Edafe said investigations were ongoing to determine the suspects’ involvement in cult-related killings and other violent crimes in Eku, Igun, Abraka and neighbouring communities. He added that efforts were being intensified to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.

In a separate operation, operatives of the Safe Delta unit at the Head Bridge checkpoint intercepted a 32-year-old suspect, Mokwunye Prince Jerry, during a routine stop-and-search operation on May 13, 2026, at about 3:40 pm.

A search of the suspect’s motorcycle and sack bag led to the recovery of six packets of live cartridges.

Preliminary investigation, according to the command, indicated that the suspect claimed to be a member of a hunters’ or vigilante group in Ibusa and said one Anthony, currently at large, instructed him to collect the ammunition. Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for the operations and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling cultism, illegal possession of firearms and other violent crimes.

He urged residents to “remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with credible and timely information that will aid ongoing operations and improve public safety across the State.” (Saturday PUNCH)

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