The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspects in separate operations targeting armed robbery, attempted murder and stealing.

It also recovered three locally made firearms, eight live cartridges and other exhibits.

The operations, conducted in Orerokpe, Agbor and Out-Jeremi between October 11 and 12, followed intelligence reports and a distress call.

Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said that in the first operation, operatives of Orerokpe Division, working with the Civilian Anti-Cult Group, Osubi, and local vigilantes, arrested two suspected armed robbers, Musa Haruna, 22, and Mubarack Abdulahi, 20, along Osubi Road on October 11.

He said officers intercepted the suspects in a tricycle with registration number BDG 429 QN.

Edafe said a search reportedly yielded a locally made cut-to-size double-barrelled shotgun, seven live cartridges and a jackknife.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly belonged to a syndicate that robbed and abducted unsuspecting passengers, forcing them to transfer money from their bank accounts. Edafe said efforts to arrest other suspected members of the group were ongoing.

Edafe stated, “In a separate incident on October 12, operatives of Agbor Division arrested Paul Francis, 25, following a distress call over an attempted armed robbery at Alifekede Village.

“The suspect attempted to rob a woman and stabbed her in the forehead, inflicting serious injuries. A locally made cut-to-size gun and a kitchen knife were recovered from him.”

He said the victim was taken to a medical facility and was responding to treatment, while the suspect remained in police custody as investigations continued.

He further said that on October 12, Out-Jeremi Division operatives arrested Bruno Jonathan in connection with the alleged theft of a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, an Infinix mobile phone, and N2 million from a woman’s residence at Okwagbe Waterside Community.

He said the theft was reported on October 10, noting that a search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun and one live cartridge.

He said further investigations led to the arrest of two other suspects, Merit Solomon and Edna Iboyi, over their alleged involvement in the incident. The spokesman said investigations were ongoing to establish the suspects’ roles.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Samuel E. Erale, commended the operatives for their prompt response and collaboration with community security stakeholders.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks, recovering illegally possessed firearms and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

Erale urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station. (The Nation)