Delta Police intensify crackdown, nab gun fabricator, drug dealers

BY NOSA AKENZUA, ASABA

The Delta State Police Command has intensified proactive policing and intelligence-driven operations across the state, leading to the recovery of six locally made firearms, four live cartridges, and several hard drugs, as well as the arrest of a suspected firearm fabricator and a drug dealer.

The Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of lives and property in Delta State.

On the arrest of suspected firearm fabricator, the Command disclosed that Operatives of the Raiders Squad of the Delta State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, have arrested a suspected illegal firearm fabricator and recovered locally manufactured guns and equipment used in producing firearms.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of March 6, 2026, at about 5:00 a.m. in Emuhu Community, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State. The team, led by the Commander of the Raiders Squad, SP Akanya Agbogha, raided a suspected firearm manufacturing depot following actionable intelligence.

During the operation, one Friday Ojei, a 59-year-old male, 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.

The suspect is currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the illegal firearm production network.

Explaining the recovery of locally made gun, the statement that in a separate development, a combined patrol team comprising operatives of the Ovwian-Aladja Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Ekundayo Friday, alongside Police Raiders Volunteers, Anti-Cult Volunteers, and Hunters Volunteers, conducted a routine stop-and-search operation along Film Hall Road, Ovwian-Aladja.

During the exercise, the patrol team sighted a group of suspected hoodlums who immediately fled upon noticing the security operatives. The team gave chase, forcing the suspects to abandon a black bag while escaping.

A search of the bag led to the recovery of one locally made short gun. The firearm has been secured as an exhibit, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The statement also threw more light on the arrest of suspected drug dealer. “Similarly, operatives of the Ovwian-Aladja Police Station, acting on credible intelligence regarding illicit drug activities along Oruworowh Road in Udu Local Government Area, carried out a targeted raid.

The operation, led by the Divisional Crime Officer in collaboration with members of the Anti-Cult Volunteer Group, resulted in the arrest of one Esther Etafo, a 43-year-old female.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of various quantities of suspected hard drugs, including cannabis (weed), kolos, ice, loud, and fermented Indian hemp. Also recovered were three blenders suspected to be used in processing the substances and the sum of ₦55,000 believed to be proceeds from the illicit drug trade.

The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation while further investigations continue.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commended the professionalism and vigilance of the operatives involved in the operations. He urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police by providing timely and credible information that will assist in ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.