Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected criminals, allegedly from Kaduna State in possession of firearms and charms along the Agbor-Benin Expressway.
The suspects, who were traveling from Zaria, were intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation by officers of the Safer 025 highway patrol team.
Confirming the arrest in a press statement on Friday, February 21, 2025, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, said the four suspects were arrested at 4.00pm on February 19, 2025, while traveling in a commercial bus, along the Agbor-Benin Expressway.
“Upon searching the passengers and their belongings, officers discovered three locally made long guns and several charms in the possession of four male suspects,” he said.
The police spokesman named the arrested suspects as Buhari Bala (28), Habibu Sale (25), Abdulwahab Musa (20), and Taisu Bala (20).
SP Edafe stated that the suspects claimed to be hunters traveling from Zaria to a forest near Benin, called Igbogri Community. However, their inability to provide a convincing explanation for carrying the firearms and charms raised suspicions.
“The suspects claimed they were on a hunting expedition, but their possession of multiple firearms and charms, combined with their failure to provide a satisfactory explanation, led to their immediate arrest. They are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to determine their true intentions and possible involvement in criminal activities,” Edafe added.
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In a related development, he stated that police operatives from the Agbarho Division arrested a suspect, Eriga Enyuche (40), on January 17, 2025, following intelligence reports about illegal arms possession.
Acting on a tip-off, the Divisional Police Officer of Agbarho Division, CSP Pius Eredei, mobilized his team and raided Enyuche’s apartment.
“Upon searching his one-room residence, police officers discovered a G-3 rifle and a pump-action gun hidden in the ceiling.
“The suspect was immediately taken into custody, and further investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the weapons and his possible connections to criminal networks,” SP Bright said.
The police spokesman further reiterated the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda’s commitment to keeping Delta State safe, and making the state a hostile environment for criminals.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies, through the following numbers, 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.
