Police arrest two suspected armed robbers, recover illicit drugs in Delta

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The Command said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal activities and improve security within Delta communities.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Anti-Vice Squad in Ughelli, working in collaboration with members of the local vigilante group, arrested one of the robbery suspects, identified as Moses Francis, 29, following credible intelligence.

SP Edafe disclosed that the suspect was apprehended during a coordinated raid in the Okorodafe area of Ughelli at about 4:30pm on June 14, 2026.

Preliminary investigation, according to the police, revealed that Francis allegedly participated in several robbery operations within Ughelli and surrounding areas, including a robbery incident along Aro Street, Ughelli, in April 2026.

The suspect subsequently led operatives to a hideout where another suspected gang member, Cosmos Erueseke, 26, was arrested around 5:40 p.m. on the same day.

“The suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover firearms used in their operations,” SP Edafe stated.

In a separate operation, police operatives deployed on stop-and-search duty along the Ozoro/Oleh Expressway intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle during routine patrol.

During the search, the driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush, raising suspicion among the officers.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a large quantity of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

The recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for further examination, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing driver and other possible accomplices.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and urged residents to continue providing credible information to support ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

He assured members of the public that the Command remains resolute in ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.