On February 20, 2026, the Delta State Police Command announced the arrest of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers, alongside the recovery of multiple locally fabricated firearms and ammunition.
The Command highlighted three breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against violent crime across the state.
In one operation, police uncovered a suspected gang armoury along the Sapele–Warri Road near Adheje Community. Acting on intelligence obtained during interrogation, a 25-year-old suspect, Dafiaga Timothy of Effurun Community, led operatives to the hideout.
Officers recovered a locally made long gun, a cut-to-size firearm, a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, ten live cartridges, and a dagger. Authorities believe the discovery has significantly weakened the operational capacity of the syndicate alleged to be terrorising commuters along the Warri–Sapele axis.
In a separate incident on February 18, operatives on patrol along the Agbarho/Warri Expressway intercepted a tricycle with three occupants. Two fled into the bush, but the driver, identified as 25-year-old Aliyu Sabo of Hausa Quarter, was apprehended. A search of the vehicle revealed a locally cut-to-size pistol, one live cartridge, one expended cartridge, mobile phones, a face mask, and other items. Police say investigations are underway to determine his involvement in wider criminal activities and to track down the fleeing accomplices.
That same day, officers from Agbor Division responded to a distress call about a robbery attempt at Texas Lodge Hostel in Alihame Community.
The suspects fled on sighting the patrol team, but a combing operation led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, an expended cartridge, three mobile phones, an earpod, and a power bank. Police believe the items were abandoned by the fleeing suspects and have launched efforts to apprehend them.
Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks, seizing illegal firearms, and ensuring justice for perpetrators of violent crimes. He also urged residents to remain security-conscious and continue providing credible information to aid police operations.
This series of arrests and recoveries underscores the Command’s proactive stance against crime and its determination to safeguard communities across Delta State.
