The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspected illegal firearm fabricator and a suspected drug dealer in separate operations across the state.
The command said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen proactive policing and combat criminal activities.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Bright Edafe, said the operations were carried out by the operatives of the Raiders Squad, acting on credible intelligence.
He revealed that the squad arrested the suspected illegal firearm manufacturer and recovered four locally fabricated guns.
The operation was conducted in the early hours of March 6, 2026, at about 5:00 a.m. in Emuhu community, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.
The police spokesman said the team, led by the Commander of the Raiders Squad, SP Akanya Agbogha, stormed a suspected firearm manufacturing depot following intelligence reports.
During the raid, a suspect identified as Friday Ojei, 59, was arrested.
“A search of the premises led to the recovery of four locally fabricated guns. Also recovered were one welding machine, one drilling machine, one grinding machine and assorted metal pipes suspected to be used in the fabrication of firearms,” Edafe said.
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He added that the suspect is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the illegal firearm production network.
In another development, a combined patrol team comprising police operatives from Ovwian-Aladja Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Ekundayo Friday, alongside Police Raiders Volunteers, Anti-Cult Volunteers and Hunters Volunteers, recovered a locally made gun during a stop-and-search operation.
Edafe explained that the patrol team was conducting routine checks along Film Hall Road in Ovwian-Aladja when they sighted a group of suspected hoodlums.
On noticing the security operatives, the suspects reportedly fled, abandoning a black bag.
“A search of the bag led to the recovery of one locally made short gun. The firearm has been secured as exhibit while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” he said.
Similarly, operatives of the Ovwian-Aladja Police Station arrested a suspected drug dealer during a raid on a suspected drug joint along Oruworowh Road in Udu.
The raid, which was led by the Divisional Crime Officer in collaboration with members of the Anti-Cult Volunteer Group, resulted in the arrest of a 43-year-old suspect, Esther Etafo.
According to the police, a search of the premises led to the recovery of different quantities of suspected hard drugs, including cannabis, kolos, ice, loud and fermented Indian hemp.
Also recovered were three blenders suspected to be used in processing the substances and the sum of N55,000 believed to be proceeds from the illicit drug trade.
Edafe said the suspect is currently undergoing interrogation while further investigation is ongoing.
Commending the operatives involved in the operations, CP Adesola praised their professionalism and vigilance.
He urged members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information that would aid efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents across Delta State.
