The Delta State Police Command says it has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against violent crime with the arrest of a suspected armed robber and cultist, alongside the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and prohibited drugs in separate operations across the state.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the arrest followed a targeted operation carried out on December 28, 2025, by operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team. The team was led by ASP Julius Robinson.

Edafe explained that the operation was based on credible and actionable intelligence, which led officers to a criminal hideout in the Otorwhodo area of Ughelli North Local Government Area. During the raid, a 24-year-old suspect, Moses Tejiri, a native and resident of the area, was arrested. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped by jumping over nearby fences.

A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of several weapons and ammunition. Items recovered included one long Dane gun, ten live cartridges, two locally fabricated Beretta pistols, and eleven rounds of live ammunition.

According to Edafe, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect made useful confessional statements. He reportedly admitted his involvement in a series of armed robbery operations around Ekredjebor, Olu Avenue, Winners Road, and other parts of the Ughelli metropolis.

In a related development, the police also arrested a suspected drug dealer following intensified surveillance by the State Intelligence Department on December 29, 2025. The operation was carried out at a hotel located around Victoria Junction on Okpanam Road.

Edafe said the suspect, identified as Isu Emmanuel, claimed to be a nurse with Guard Health Pharmacy in Okpanam. He was alleged to be involved in the sale and distribution of controlled drugs to members of the public without medical prescriptions.

During the operation, police recovered 28 sachets of tramadol, 16 sachets of Swindol, three bottles of Barcadin containing codeine syrup, and other controlled substances. The suspect is currently in custody, while investigations continue.

The Delta State Police Command reassured residents that intelligence-led patrols, focused raids, and proactive crime prevention strategies remain in place to deny criminal elements any safe haven in the state. Edafe urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance security across Delta State.