The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on illegal firearms and violent crime across the state, with separate intelligence-led operations by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU) leading to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of two pump-action guns, 18 live cartridges and other dangerous items.

The Delta State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the latest operations, carried out in Obiaruku and Isupe Community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, was the command’s renewed efforts to disrupt the circulation of illicit weapons believed to have the potential to fuel cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

According to Edafe, the first operation, operatives of the VCRU, acted on credible intelligence, and stormed a residence in Obiaruku on September 12, 2026, following information that the occupant was allegedly in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

He said the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Joel Iwomi of Umuebu, Obiaruku, reportedly resisted the operatives’ attempt to gain access to the premises.

The police, however, succeeded in gaining entry and subsequently conducted a search of the residence; and during the search, operatives recovered one pump-action gun and 18 live cartridges, he declared.

He said Iwomi was arrested and taken into custody, while investigation has commenced to determine the source of the firearm and ammunition and establish whether the suspect has any links with other criminal networks operating within or outside the community.

In a separate operation conducted on September 9, 2026, operatives of the CACU arrested another suspect, identified as Chukwuka Nzete, also known as “Ododo,” of Isupe Community, Ndokwa West LGA.

The police image maker said Nzete was suspected of involvement in the illegal sale and proliferation of firearms and allegedly operated a shrine where suspected criminal elements were purportedly fortified.

Following his arrest, operatives searched his residence and recovered another pump-action gun, four dagger knives, one battle axe and pots containing substances suspected to be charms.

The police spokesperson further disclosed that the suspect was also taken into custody as detectives commenced investigation aimed at determining the full extent of his alleged activities and identifying possible associates and criminal groups connected to him.

The recovery of the firearms and ammunition has heightened concerns over the availability of illicit weapons in communities, particularly against the backdrop of persistent efforts by security agencies to prevent criminal elements from acquiring arms capable of escalating violent confrontations.

The Delta Police Command said the operations formed part of its intelligence-driven strategy to identify and dismantle sources of illegal firearms before such weapons are deployed in the commission of crimes. (The Guardian)