The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on crime and illicit drug trafficking with the arrest of five suspects in separate operations that led to the recovery of a locally made revolver pistol and 10 bags of substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement, highlighting ongoing efforts by the police to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure public safety.

According to Edafe, operatives attached to the Asaba Area Command arrested three suspects during a routine patrol operation conducted in the early hours of May 30, 2026.

The suspects, identified as Musa Sule, 22, Moses Sunday, 26, and Osama Ibrahim, 25, were intercepted at about 5:30 a.m. behind the Nigerian Television Authority premises in Asaba.

Edafe said the surveillance team became suspicious of the trio and carried out a search, which led to the recovery of a locally made revolver pistol and other dangerous weapons believed to be linked to criminal activities.

“The suspects were immediately arrested, while the exhibits were recovered and taken into custody. Investigation into the matter is ongoing,” he stated.

In a separate operation carried out on May 29, 2026, operatives of the State Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) intercepted two other suspects during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Onitsha-Benin Expressway.

The suspects, identified as Hilary Aloma and Oki Joseph, popularly known as “Big Joe”, were travelling in an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz station wagon with registration number BEN 982 TE when they were stopped by operatives at about 4:00 a.m.

A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered 10 bags containing substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa concealed inside the vehicle.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit substances were allegedly being transported from Edo State to Awka in Anambra State before the suspects were intercepted.

Edafe said both suspects were taken into custody, while the recovered substances were secured as exhibits pending further forensic examination and legal proceedings.

He added that investigators were working to uncover the full scope of the suspected drug trafficking network, including identifying and apprehending other individuals connected to the operation.

Edafe reiterated the commitment of the Delta State Police Command to combating crime, illegal arms possession, drug trafficking and other forms of criminality across the state.

He urged residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial in the ongoing fight against crime and efforts to maintain peace and security in Delta State and beyond.
Photo: Recovered items/ Caption: Recovered exhibits