Police arrest four suspected armed robbers, cultists in Delta

Some of the arrested suspects. Photo: Delta Police Command

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected armed robbers and cultists. The arrests were made in separate operations targeting cultism and armed robbery in the Umunede and Ughelli areas of the state.

The security operatives recovered seven firearms, 10 live cartridges, two stolen motorcycles and suspected illicit drugs during the intelligence-led operations.

These were contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.

The statement noted that “on October 30, 2026, at about 1315hrs, a resident of Umunede reported at Umunede Division that one Chibuike Ezeji, aged 30 years, allegedly threatened to kill him while brandishing a pistol.”

“Acting on the complaint, operatives of the Division, in collaboration with members of the Umunede Civilian Anti-Cult Group, proceeded to a residence along Umunede Expressway belonging to one Oscar Ignatius, a suspected cultist, where the alleged offender was reportedly residing.

“The operation led to the arrest of Chibuike Ezeji and one Ikenna Emeka, male, 22 years.

“A search of the premises led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one locally made cut-to-size gun, three locally made pistols, eight live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis and methamphetamine (ice),” the statement added.

The police spokesman said the suspects were in custody, while investigations were ongoing.

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In another development, on October 28, 2026, at about 0530hrs, operatives of the Commissioner’s Special Assignment Team, acting on complaints of motorcycle snatching by armed men along Stadium Road, Saniko and adjoining areas of Ughelli, raided a suspected criminal hideout in the Ighrovie area of Ughelli.

The operation led to the arrest of Peter Emobaye (22) and James Emmanuel (29), and the recovery of one stolen Qlink motorcycle.

Following preliminary interrogation, the suspects led operatives to the residence of their alleged gang leader, identified as Sunny, at Ufuoma Town. A search of the premises led to the recovery of one stolen Daylong motorcycle, one fabricated Beretta pistol, one locally made shotgun and two live cartridges.

The PPRO disclosed that the suspects were in custody, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, has reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling cultism, armed robbery and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

The CP urged members of the public to “continue supporting the Police with credible and timely information”, assuring residents of sustained efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state.