Delta Police uncover a suspected robbery gang’s armoury along the Sapele–Warri Road, recovering firearms and ammunition as crackdown on illegal weapons intensifies.
Delta Police Intensify Crackdown, Recover Illegal Firearms in Warri Axis
By Juliet Ezeh
The Delta State Police Command has intensified its anti-crime operations with the discovery of a suspected armed robbery gang’s armoury along the Sapele–Warri Road, marking a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb violent crimes in the state.
The recovery was carried out by operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team following intelligence gathered during the interrogation of a 25-year-old suspect identified as Dafiaga Timothy from Effurun Community in Uvwie Local Government Area. According to police authorities, the suspect was initially handed over by the Ororokpe Divisional Police Officer before being transferred to the special unit for further questioning.
Acting on information allegedly obtained from the suspect, operatives traced a concealed hideout in the Adheje Community axis in the early hours of February 19, 2026. A search of the location led to the recovery of a locally made long gun, a cut-to-size firearm and a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition. Officers also found additional live cartridges and other items believed to be linked to criminal activity.
Police said the discovery has significantly weakened the operational strength of the suspected syndicate, which was allegedly involved in attacks on commuters and residents along the Warri–Sapele corridor. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the group.
In a related operation, officers attached to the Area Command in Warri intercepted a blue tricycle during a visibility patrol along the Agbarho–Warri Expressway in the early hours of February 18. Two occupants reportedly fled into a nearby bush during a lawful search, while the driver, identified as Aliyu Sabo, was apprehended. A locally cut-to-size pistol, along with live and expended cartridges, was recovered from the vehicle. The suspect remains in custody as efforts continue to track down his fleeing accomplices.
Elsewhere in Agbor, operatives responding to a distress call at Texas Lodge Hostel in Alihame Community recovered a locally fabricated pistol and an expended cartridge after suspected hoodlums fled on sighting patrol teams. Additional personal items were retrieved from the scene as investigations commenced.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and mop up illegal firearms across the state. He also urged residents to remain security-conscious and provide credible information that could assist law enforcement efforts.
Security analysts note that sustained intelligence-driven operations remain central to disrupting organised crime and restoring public confidence along major transport corridors in Delta State.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.