The police have recorded major breakthroughs in separate intelligence-led operations in Delta and Niger states, arresting 76 suspects and recovering 10 AK rifles, three pump-action guns, stolen motorcycles and other exhibits as part of ongoing efforts to tackle violent crime.

In Delta State, the Police Command arrested five suspects and recovered three pump-action guns and three motorcycles suspected to have been stolen during operations carried out by officers attached to the Asaba and Ekpan divisions.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, said the first operation was conducted on July 27, 2026, when operatives of the ‘C’ Division, Asaba, intercepted a suspect during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway.

The suspect, Joseph Tyavzua, was reportedly travelling on a commercial motorcycle to Onitsha when officers discovered a pump-action gun in his possession.

According to the police, Tyavzua claimed to be a member of a local vigilante group but failed to produce any lawful authorisation or documentation permitting him to possess the firearm.

The weapon was recovered, while investigations are ongoing to determine its source and whether the suspect is linked to other criminal activities.

Later the same day, operatives of the Ekpan Division arrested four suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate following a report of the robbery of a commercial motorcyclist along Jakpa Road in Effurun.

The principal suspects, identified as Edodo Gift, 41, and Emoefe Solomon, 27, were tracked down and arrested through intelligence gathered during the investigation.

Police said the suspects confessed to the robbery and led detectives to two suspected receivers of stolen property, Fodio Bello, 27, and Kabiru Mohammed, 25, in Otowhe, near Oleh.

The operation led to the recovery of two additional pump-action guns and three motorcycles suspected to have been stolen during previous robbery operations. The suspects remain in custody, while efforts continue to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate.

Commending the officers, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive operations aimed at dismantling criminal gangs, curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms and improving public safety.

He also appealed to residents to support the police with timely and credible information that could help prevent crime and facilitate the arrest of criminal elements.

In Niger State, the Police Command announced the arrest of 71 suspects during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across the state in July 2026.

Briefing journalists in Minna, the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, attributed the successes to sustained intelligence gathering, strategic deployment of personnel, aggressive patrols, raids on criminal hideouts and the cooperation of members of the public.

According to him, one of the command’s major breakthroughs was the dismantling of a kidnapping syndicate operating around Garam, Chachi, Ijah-Gwari, Ijah-Koro, Gauraka, Kaduna Road and parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

Elleman said the alleged gang leader, Samaila Shefiu, also known as Yakumujuri, was arrested on July 10 near Kpakungu Roundabout following intelligence-led surveillance.

The investigation subsequently led to the arrest of five additional suspects, the rescue of three kidnapped victims and the recovery of 10 AK rifles and ammunition from different locations. He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

In another operation, police operatives intercepted a suspect in Tegina on July 28 while he was allegedly transporting five AK-47 magazines and 185 rounds of live ammunition concealed in a cement bag. The suspect is currently under investigation.

The command also arrested a 42-year-old man accused of producing fake National Identification Number (NIN) cards and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). During the operation, police recovered 105 fake NIN cards and 189 fake PVCs.

According to the police, the suspect confessed to producing fraudulent identity documents for more than 1,000 people.

The two commands said the operations underscore the police’s determination to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal firearms possession and other organised crimes through intelligence-led policing. They urged citizens to continue providing useful information to security agencies.