Delta Police crackdown suspects arrested as five are detained in Asaba raids with firearm and 10 bags of suspected Indian hemp recovered
Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, operatives of the Delta State Police Command arrested five suspects and recovered a locally made revolver pistol alongside 10 bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp during coordinated enforcement operations carried out across Asaba and the Onitsha–Benin Expressway corridor.
Also read: Delta police bust kidnap syndicate, recover AK-47
Suspects were arrested operation involved surveillance operatives attached to the Asaba Area Command, who intercepted three individuals behind the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) premises in Asaba during a routine patrol.
The suspects, identified as Musa Sule, aged 22, Moses Sunday, aged 26, and Osama Ibrahim, aged 25, were searched on reasonable suspicion, leading to the recovery of a locally made revolver pistol and other weapons.
In a separate but related operation on Thursday, 29 May 2026, at about 4:00 a.m., operatives of the State Anti-Kidnapping Unit, known as SAKU, intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz station wagon along the Onitsha–Benin Expressway during an intelligence-led stop-and-search exercise.
The vehicle, with registration number BEN 982 TE, was occupied by Hilary Aloma and Oki Joseph, also known as “Big Joe”.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 10 bags containing substances suspected to be Indian hemp, reportedly concealed within the automobile.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the illicit cargo was being transported from Edo State to Awka in Anambra State before the interception was made.
Police authorities described the Delta Police crackdown suspects arrested operation as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat illegal arms possession and drug trafficking across the state.
The operation has been described internally as robust and highly effective, reflecting intensified security pressure on criminal networks operating within the region.
The spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrests, stating that all suspects were immediately taken into custody while the recovered exhibits were secured for evidential purposes.
He added that investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader criminal network and identify additional accomplices linked to the illicit activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, describing their conduct as disciplined and committed.
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He also issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in illegal firearms possession, drug trafficking, cultism and other forms of criminality to desist or face the full weight of the law.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
