The Delta State Police Command has achieved significant breakthroughs in its efforts to combat criminal activities, recovering a substantial cache of firearms and ammunition during routine stop-and-search operations.
Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Olufemi Abaniwonda, the operations led to the arrest of two suspected gun runners and the seizure of three AK-47 rifles, seven pump-action guns, 3,120 rounds of ammunition, and 1,600 rounds of cartridges.
On 3rd March 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, operatives attached to Dragon 14 intercepted a blue Toyota Camry (registration number PHC 257 NT) along the Warri-Benin Road near Western Delta University, Oghara.
The driver, identified as Peter James, 55, from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was stopped for routine checks.
Officers became suspicious after noticing that the car’s boot appeared unusually small.
Upon further inspection, they removed the back seat and discovered three AK-47 rifles, 2,080 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, and 1,040 rounds of 51mm ammunition packed in four boxes.
The recovered firearms and ammunition were seized, and the suspect was taken into custody. Investigations are ongoing.
On 6th March 2025, at about 11:00 AM, operatives from Dragon Patrol Team 02 intercepted a navy blue Sharon Space Bus (registration number DKA 408 LM) along the Asaba-Benin Expressway near the National Open University, Onicha-Ugbo.
The vehicle was driven by Yahuza Magaji, 69, accompanied by Abba Sani, 17, both from Lere Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State.
The suspects posed as traders transporting palm oil and garri, but upon thorough inspection, officers discovered seven pump-action guns and 1,600 rounds of live cartridges packed in five cartons, concealed under the back seat.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearms were purchased in Onitsha, Anambra State, and were being transported to Kaduna State.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
Commending the officers involved, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda praised their diligence in detecting the concealed weapons and urged other officers to remain vigilant in the fight against crime.
