A 19-year-old criminology and security studies student of Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, and three other suspects have been arrested by the Delta State Police Command for allegedly possessing an illegal firearm during a stop-and-search operation in Asaba.

The suspects were intercepted at the Interbau Roundabout in Asaba when officers on routine patrol discovered a firearm in their possession, triggering their immediate arrest.

During interrogation, the student reportedly confessed that the gun was purchased in Onitsha, Anambra State, for N350,000.

The unnamed suspect claimed the gun was acquired for self-protection following disputes involving a youth leader in his community.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, noted that a follow-up search at the residence of the principal suspect led to the recovery of a short axe.

He said preliminary investigations further revealed that the suspect was allegedly preparing for initiation into the notorious Vikings Confraternity.

He said the incident had raised fresh concerns over cult-related activities among youths.

In a separate operation in Ughelli, Edafe said police operatives arrested two suspected armed robbers identified as Moses Francis, 29, and Cosmos Erueseke, 26.

He said the duo was believed to be connected to a string of robbery attacks within the Ughelli axis.

He said they are currently in custody as investigators intensify efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

The spokesman stated, “The Command also recorded another breakthrough along the Ozoro/Oleh Expressway, where officers intercepted an abandoned Toyota Sienna suspected to be linked to illicit drug trafficking.

“A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered a large cache of suspected hard drugs, including codeine, tramadol, Swinol, Man G and Vega.

“The driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush on sighting security operatives.”

Edafe said investigations into all three cases were ongoing, assuring residents that efforts to rid the state of armed criminals, cultists and drug traffickers would be sustained.

He rationalised that the latest arrests underscored the Command’s intensified crackdown on violent crime, illegal arms possession and the growing menace of illicit drug distribution across the state. (The Nation)

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