By : Ike Philip Abiagom
The Nigeria Police Force in Delta State has intensified its crime-fighting operations, leading to the recovery of locally fabricated firearms and hard drugs as well as the arrest of suspected criminals across parts of the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Aina Adesola, said the operations form part of ongoing proactive policing and intelligence-driven strategies aimed at combating crime and protectig lives and property.
In one of the operations, operatives of the Police Raiders Squad acting on credible intelligence raided a suspected illegal firearm manufacturing site at Emuhu Community in the early hours of March 6, 2026.
The team, led by the Commander of the Raiders Squad, SP Akanya Agbogha, arrested a 59-year-old suspect identified as Friday Ojei, believed to be involved in the fabrication of illegal firearms.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of four locally made guns as well as equipment suspected to be used in producing the weapons, including a welding machine, drilling machine, grinding machine, and several metal pipes.
Police authorities said the suspect is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the illegal gun-manufacturing network.
In a separate operation, a joint patrol team from the Ovwian‑Aladja Division, working with Police Raiders Volunteers, Anti-Cult Volunteers and Hunters, recovered another locally made firearm during a routine stop-and-search exercise along Film Hall Road.
According to the police, a group of suspected hoodlums fled upon sighting the security operatives, abandoning a black bag during the chase. A search of the bag revealed a locally made short gun which has since been secured as evidence.Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Ovwian-Aladja Police Station also arrested a suspected drug dealer during a targeted raid along Oruworowh Road in Udu.
The suspect, identified as Esther Etafo, 43, was apprehended following credible intelligence linking her to illicit drug activities in the area.
Police recovered various quantities of suspected hard drugs including cannabis, kolos, ice, loud and fermented Indian hemp from the premises. Three blenders allegedly used in processing the substances and the sum of ₦55,000 suspected to be proceeds from the illegal trade were also recovered.
The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation as investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police commended the professionalism and vigilance of officers involved in the operations and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining efforts aimed at eliminating criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents across Delta State.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday.