The Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspects and recovered two pump-action guns, 18 live cartridges and other dangerous items during separate intelligence-led operations in the state.

The operations were conducted by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), according to the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe.

Edafe disclosed in a statement issued in Asaba on Sunday that the first operation took place on September 12, 2026, in Obiaruku, Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

He said VCRU operatives, acting on credible intelligence about the alleged possession of firearms and ammunition, raided a residence in the community.

The occupant, identified as 36-year-old Joel Iwomi from Umuebu, Obiaruku, reportedly resisted the officers’ attempt to enter the premises.

The operatives eventually gained access and conducted a search, during which one pump-action gun and 18 live cartridges were recovered.

Iwomi was arrested and taken into custody, while police said investigations were continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the possession of the weapons.

Second Suspect Arrested Over Alleged Illegal Arms Dealings

In a separate operation carried out on September 9, CACU operatives arrested another suspect identified as Chukwuka Nzete, popularly known as “Ododo,” in Isupe Community, Ndokwa West LGA.

Police described Nzete as a suspected illegal arms dealer and alleged that he was involved in the sale and proliferation of firearms.

According to the command, the suspect was also allegedly operating a shrine where criminal elements were purportedly fortified.

A search of his residence reportedly led to the recovery of another pump-action gun, four dagger knives, a battle axe and pots containing substances suspected to be charms.

Nzete was taken into custody as detectives continued investigating his alleged activities and possible links to other criminal elements.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to preventing criminals from gaining access to illegal firearms and other weapons capable of threatening public safety.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide the police with credible information about suspicious individuals, illegal firearms and criminal activities in their communities.

The commissioner also assured residents that actionable information supplied to the police would be handled confidentially.