Police bust suspected robbery syndicate in Delta
The Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its ongoing fight against violent crime and drug trafficking, leading to the arrest of suspected armed robbers and the recovery of a large quantity of suspected illicit drugs across the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Tuesday in Asaba, saying the operations form part of sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure public safety.
According to him, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Vice Squad, while on stop-and-search duty along the Ozoro–Oleh Expressway, intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number FST 242 YK at about 4:00 a.m. on June 14, 2026.
Edafe said the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush after being questioned by officers during routine checks. Despite a hot chase, the suspect escaped.
A search of the abandoned vehicle led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of suspected illicit drugs, including Codeine, Tramadol, Swinol, Man G, and Vega. The exhibits have since been taken into police custody, while investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Anti-Vice Squad (CAVS) in Ughelli, working with members of the Ughelli Vigilante Group, arrested two suspected armed robbers linked to a series of attacks in Ughelli and surrounding communities.
The arrests followed credible intelligence received on June 14, 2026. Acting on the information, operatives stormed the Okorodafe area of Ughelli at about 4:30 p.m. and arrested a 29-year-old suspect identified as Moses Francis. Police investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several robbery operations, including an incident along Aro Street in Ughelli in April 2026.
Following his arrest, Francis reportedly led operatives to a hideout within the town, where another suspected gang member, Cosmos Erueseke, 26, was also arrested at about 5:40 p.m. the same day. The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue. The Command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover firearms and other items allegedly used in their operations.
The Command reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing and collaboration with communities to strengthen security and curb criminal activities across Delta State.