• Arrest suspected armed robber, recover stolen tricycle in Oyo

The Delta State Police Command has intensified its offensive against crime with the arrest of 81 suspected offenders during a coordinated intelligence-led operation across identified criminal flashpoints in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe who confirmed the arrest, said the operation, conducted on July 24, 2026, is part of the Command’s sustained strategy to dismantle criminal networks, curb drug-related offences, and strengthen public safety through proactive policing.

According to Edafe, the enforcement exercise was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, supported by tactical teams of the Command.

Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives stormed several identified black spots within the Asaba metropolis, resulting in the arrest of 81 suspects, comprising 50 males and 31 females.

The suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from the sale and possession of suspected illicit drugs to operating an illegal checkpoint at the busy Asaba-Onitsha Head Bridge, a location frequently used by commuters travelling between Delta and Anambra states.

During the raid, police recovered substantial quantities of Tramadol and substances suspected to be Indian hemp, further highlighting the Command’s determination to dismantle drug distribution networks believed to be fuelling other criminal activities in the state.

The operation also led to the impoundment of five vehicles linked to various offences.

According to him, the vehicles were allegedly used in connection with the operation of an unauthorised taxi park at Pinnacle Junction along Okpanam Road and activities facilitating the sale and distribution of suspected illicit drugs within the area.

The  suspects and all recovered exhibits are in custody while investigations continue.

He said those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law; even as the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive crime prevention aimed at ensuring the safety of residents across the state.

The Commissioner warned individuals involved in criminal activities, particularly illicit drug trafficking, illegal checkpoints, and other unlawful acts, to abandon such activities or face the full wrath of the law.

Also, the Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a tricycle allegedly stolen at gunpoint in Ilorin, Kwara State, during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Oyo–Ogbomoso Road.

The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Akindele Seun, was apprehended by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit following credible intelligence from members of the public that a suspected stolen tricycle was being driven into Oyo State.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the operatives mounted a strategic stop-and-search operation at Irepo, where they intercepted the tricycle bearing Lagos registration number EPE 236 QR and arrested the rider.

Preliminary investigation, the police said, revealed that the suspect allegedly robbed the owner of the tricycle at gunpoint in Ilorin before fleeing with it into Oyo State.

“The suspect confessed during interrogation to dispossessing the owner of the tricycle at gunpoint in Ilorin, Kwara State, before escaping with it to Oyo State,” the statement reads.

The command disclosed that the recovered tricycle has been taken into police custody, while efforts are ongoing to trace its rightful owner and facilitate its return.

It added that investigation has commenced to identify and arrest other members of the robbery syndicate linked to the crime.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reiterated the command’s determination to prevent the state from becoming a haven for criminals.

He said the police would continue to identify, arrest and prosecute individuals involved in criminal activities, including those attempting to transport proceeds of crime into the state, regardless of where such offences were committed.

The police commissioner also appealed to residents to sustain their support by providing timely and credible information capable of aiding security agencies in combating crime and protecting lives and property across the state.