Delta State Police Command has neutralized a suspected armed robber, arrested a suspected armed robber terrorising the metropolis, and recovered one double barrel gun and cartridges.
A statement released on Monday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, read;
“Sequel to complaints by residents in the metropolis on the activities of armed robbers, the Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi deployed tactical teams to complement the efforts of the Divisional Police officers in the metropolis with the various tactical commanders leading the operations from 1800hrs to 0600hrs. These deployments have been helping in checkmating the activities of these hoodlums, and some of them have been arrested and charged to court while others are still being hunted.
“On 31/05/2024 at about 2140hrs, operatives of Ekpan Divisional undercover surveillance patrol team while on routine patrol along Army Barracks Link Road, off Refinery Road Ekpan, were double-crossed by a tricycle with three occupants. In their usual style of robbing innocent citizens but on noticing they were policemen, the hoodlums took to their heels, and were given a hot chase during which one of the suspects was arrested with a black bag, one cut-to-size double barrel gun with two live cartridges were recovered in the bag. Upon interrogation, the suspect stated that the two other suspects who escaped were his gang members, and they usually double-crossed their victims, robbed them, and sometimes kidnapped them. Following his confession, the suspect was taken to their hideout along NNPC Link Road, he jumped into the bridge in an attempt to escape and was maimed by the Police operatives. The suspect was taken to Ekpan General Hospital for medication but was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. Effort to arrest other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing.Â
According to Edafe, in another development, “On 2/6/24 at about 2315hrs, the DPO Okpanam Division received a distress call that some young men numbering seven came with two motorcycles and robbed one young man (name withheld). The DPO led operatives to the scene where the suspects on sighting the DPO and his men took to their heels. Six of the suspects escaped while one of them identified as Emeka Okafor (m) was arrested and the motorcycle was recovered. Manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.Â
The statement added, “CP Abaniwonda Olufemi commended the DPO Okpanam for his swift response and dedication to duty and urged officers and men of the Command to do the same for their Areas of responsibility to be peaceful.Â
“The CP also urged residents to be security conscious, monitor their environments, and report any suspicious persons or movements to the Police. Members of the public are advised to reach out to the command in cases of distress through any of the following dedicated control room numbers.” 
