…Recover 32 firearms in two-month

The Delta State Police Command has announced major successes in its sustained offensive against criminal activities across the state, revealing the arrest of 85 suspected criminals, the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of 32 firearms and large quantities of ammunition and illicit drugs between April 29 till now.

Addressing journalists in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Yemi Oyeniyi, said the Command’s intensified security operations had led to significant breakthroughs against armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, murder, drug trafficking and other violent crimes.

According to the police chief, four kidnapping suspects were arrested during the period under review, while 18 abducted victims were rescued. He also disclosed that five murder suspects were apprehended.

The Command recorded major gains in its fight against cultism, arresting 76 suspected cultists. Of the figure, 46 have already been charged to court, while investigations continue on the remaining 30 suspects.

In the area of drug enforcement, seven suspects were arrested in connection with drug-related offences, with five already prosecuted.

The Commissioner further disclosed that security operatives recovered an impressive cache of weapons during various operations, including three AK-47 rifles, four pump-action guns, two Beretta pistols, two locally-made revolver pistols, three locally-made cut-to-size firearms, 17 locally-made single-barrel guns and one double-barrel locally-made pistol, bringing the total number of firearms recovered to 32.

Police also recovered 197 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition and 219 live cartridges, he said adding that the operatives confiscated several dangerous drugs and controlled substances, including Tramadol, CSC Codeine, Rohypnol, Swinol, MDMA (Molly), Canadian Loud, Indian hemp (cannabis), Monkey Tail, Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), Tianeptine (Zaza) and psychoactive chewing gum popularly known as “Highness Gum.”

Mr. Oyeniyi attributed the Command’s achievements to strategic deployment of personnel and operational assets, sustained raids on criminal hideouts, enhanced stop-and-search operations, and improved intelligence gathering.

Mr. Oyeniyi assured residents that the Delta State Police Command would sustain its ongoing operations and intelligence-driven policing strategy to rid the state of criminal elements and improve public safety.