Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State have uncovered a suspected criminal Armoury and foiled a Hostel robbery attempt in separate operations across the state, recovering several locally fabricated firearms and live ammunition.
The Delta State Command, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, said the operations underscore the Command’s renewed push to dismantle armed syndicates and mop up illegal weapons from circulation.
In the first operation, operatives attached to the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, were said to had intensified interrogation of a suspect, Dafiaga Timothy, 25, of Effurun Community in Uvwie Local Government Area.
Timothy was earlier handed over by the Divisional Police Officer of Ororokpe Division and is alleged to be a member of a criminal gang terrorising commuters and residents along the Warri–Sapele Road axis.
At about 5:30 a.m. on February 19, 2026, acting on information extracted during interrogation, the suspect reportedly led officers to a concealed armoury located along the Sapele–Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of one locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size firearm, and a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition. Police also recovered ten live cartridges and a dagger from the scene.
Read Also:
- Delta Police meet school heads to strengthen security amid rising student abductions
- Delta Police nab key suspect in murder of Retired Justice Okogwu
- Delta Police hold 5km walkathon to mark 70 years of women in force
The Command stated that the seizure has significantly weakened the operational capacity of the suspected syndicate. Investigation into the network and possible accomplices is ongoing.
In a separate operation on February 18, 2026, at about 5:00 a.m., operatives from Area Command Warri intercepted a blue tricycle with registration number Anambra ABM 30 QC along the Agbarho/Warri Expressway during a visibility patrol.
The tricycle was conveying three occupants at the time. Upon conducting a lawful search, two of the occupants reportedly fled into a nearby bush in an attempt to evade arrest.
The driver, identified as Aliyu Sabo, 25, a resident of Hausa Quarter by DSC Roundabout, was apprehended on the spot.
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 expended cartridge. Officers also recovered two mobile phones, a Zealot MP3 player, a face mask, and a black bag.
The suspect remains in custody as police investigate his alleged involvement in armed robbery and make efforts to track down his fleeing accomplices.
Meanwhile, in Agbor, the Divisional Police Officer of Agbor Division, CSP Micheal Obekpa, led an anti-crime patrol team to Alihame Community at about 4:00 a.m. on February 18 following a distress call that hoodlums had invaded Texas Lodge Hostel.
On sighting the approaching patrol vehicles, the suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding bush.
Police cordoned off the area and conducted a combing operation, during which a locally fabricated pistol and an expended cartridge were recovered. Also found at the scene were three mobile phones—an iPhone XR, a Samsung device, and a Tecno touch-light phone—alongside an earpod and a power bank, believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
Preliminary investigation has commenced, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend the suspects still at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commended the operatives for what he described as vigilance and professionalism. He reiterated the Command’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks, seize illegal firearms, and ensure perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
He urged residents to remain security conscious and continue to provide credible and timely information to the police to aid crime prevention efforts.
