In a decisive move against the illegal arms trade, the Delta State Police Command successfully disrupted an arms transaction in Ughelli, arresting three individuals and recovering firearms and cash linked to the deal.
The operation, conducted by the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team, took place at Ovieta Street, Ughelli, on the evening of 3 January, 2026, following actionable intelligence about the planned illegal sale.
Those apprehended were identified as Areuro Oke, 38, alleged to be the buyer; Onos Echabor, 47, reportedly acting as the middleman; and Akpofure Emmanuel, 45, all residents of Ughelli North and Ughelli South local government areas.
During the raid, operatives recovered a pump-action gun and N280,000, believed to be partial payment for the illegal firearms transaction.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aina Adesola, commended the Special Assignment Team for their “vigilance and prompt action,” emphasising the command’s continued commitment to stamping out violent crime and the proliferation of illegal weapons in the state.
The suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with investigators to provide information that could lead to further arrests and the disruption of similar criminal operations in the region.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the criminal network and led detectives to a concealed bush location along Tobia Village, near the Amasoma area of Airport Road in Bayelsa State.”
