Police operatives in Delta State have apprehended four suspected armed robbers and recovered two firearms during stop-and-search and patrol operations across Asaba, the state capital.
The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this development in a statement on Friday.
According to Edafe, one of the suspects, 28-year-old Chinoso Igwemma, was detained by officers from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) while conducting a routine stop-and-search along Ugbolu/Asaba Road. The officers became suspicious of Igwemma’s behavior and proceeded to search him, uncovering a fabricated Beretta pistol in his possession.
Edafe noted that the officers’ swift action likely prevented a potential violent crime. Igwemma is currently in custody and under investigation.
Additionally, three other suspects—Umuadi Benjamin Chinecherem (30), Nwabueze Kelvin (28), and Okonkwo Celestine (30)—were apprehended by the Command’s Crack Squad during a routine patrol in the Bonsaac area of Asaba. The suspects, who were travelling in a tricycle, were subjected to a thorough search, which led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size pistol loaded with a live cartridge.
Preliminary interrogation indicates that the suspects are involved in criminal activities, including dispossessing innocent citizens of their belongings. Edafe added that efforts are ongoing to unravel their network and apprehend additional accomplices.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive strategies aimed at preventing crime and dismantling criminal networks across the state.
