By Ovie Okpare
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have recorded major breakthroughs in the fight against cultism and armed robbery across Warri, Ughelli and Sapele, arresting suspects and recovering dangerous firearms and ammunition in separate intelligence-led operations.
The Command in a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the operations led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one fabricated Beretta pistol, one cut-to-size locally made double-barrel gun and twenty-seven live cartridges.
According to the statement, its operatives on February 27, 2026, at about 11:35 p.m., operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, stormed the Ekredjebor area of Ughelli.
It disclosed that one Oghenemaro Festus of Upper Agbarho was arrested during the raid, adding that upon search, operatives recovered a pump-action gun loaded with two live cartridges.
Police sources said the suspect is strongly linked to a series of house-to-house robberies that have unsettled residents. Efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang.
In a separate operation following complaints by residents over serial robberies by a motorcycle-riding syndicate, operatives arrested 21-year-old Prince Omanure, also known as “Anini,” in the Ghana Area of Sapele.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly led operatives to a bush along the Warri–Sapele Road near the Trailer Park, where a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with eight live rounds was recovered.
The Command said the investigation is ongoing, while efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate have been intensified.
In Warri, operatives of the Quick Response Squad, led by SP Achem Collins, acting on a credible intelligence report, raided a building on Okwagbe Street, Igbudu area of city, where suspected cultists were allegedly assembling to launch attacks.
Three suspects, identified as Nelson Mudiagha (alias Diara), Efe Nyore, and Ebube Ifeanyi, were arrested, while others fled.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of a cut-to-size locally fabricated double-barrel gun and seventeen live cartridges concealed within the building.
The suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Black Axe Confraternity, also known as Ayes.
Edafe maintained that Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, reassured residents that the safety of law-abiding citizens remains the Command’s top priority, stressing that the Police will remain resolute in dismantling criminal networks across the state.
