Maha Christopher
The Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers linked to a series of robbery incidents in Ughelli and recovered suspected illicit drugs in a separate operation.
According to The Punch, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Vice Squad in Ughelli, in collaboration with members of the local vigilante group, carried out the arrests on June 14 following credible intelligence.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the operatives stormed the Okorodafe area of Ughelli at about 4:30 p.m. and arrested 29-year-old Moses Francis.
During preliminary investigations, Francis allegedly confessed to participating in several robbery operations, including an incident along Aro Street in Ughelli in April 2026.
The suspect later led officers to a hideout where another suspected gang member, 26-year-old Cosmos Erueseke, was arrested.
Confirming the development, Edafe said, “The suspects are currently in custody.”
He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover firearms and other items allegedly used in their operations.
In a separate operation, operatives on stop-and-search duty along the Ozoro/Oleh Expressway intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number FST 242 YK at about 4:00 a.m. on June 14.
According to Edafe, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush during questioning.
Although officers immediately pursued him, the suspect escaped.
A search of the abandoned vehicle led to the recovery of a large quantity of substances suspected to be illicit drugs, including Codeine, Tramadol, Swinol, Man G and Vega.
“The exhibits have been taken into custody, while investigations have commenced to identify, locate, and arrest the fleeing suspect,” Edafe said.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their professionalism and resilience and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating drug-related crimes and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
