The Delta State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling crime with the recovery of several firearms and ammunition from a suspected criminal armoury, as well as the prevention of a planned hostel robbery in Agbor.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the breakthrough followed the transfer of a 25-year-old suspect, Dafiaga Timothy, from the Orerokpe Division. Timothy, who is from Effurun Community in Uvwie Local Government Area, was further interrogated by operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson.
According to the police, the suspect is believed to be part of a gang that has been terrorising motorists and residents along the Warri–Sapele Road. Acting on information obtained during questioning, officers were led in the early hours of February 19, 2026, to a hidden armoury along the Sapele–Warri Road near the Adheje Community.
A search of the location uncovered a locally made long gun, a cut-to-size gun, and a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five live rounds. Officers also recovered ten live cartridges and a dagger. Edafe said the seizure has dealt a major blow to the group’s operations, adding that investigations are ongoing.
In a separate incident, police arrested a suspected armed robber along the Agbarho/Warri Expressway. Edafe explained that around 5:00 a.m. on February 18, 2026, operatives from the Warri Area Command were on routine patrol when they stopped a blue tricycle with registration number Anambra ABM 30 QC carrying three passengers.
During a search, two of the occupants fled into nearby bushes, but the driver, identified as 25-year-old Aliyu Sabo of Hausa Quarter near DSC Roundabout, was apprehended. A search of the tricycle led to the discovery of a locally fabricated cut-to-size pistol hidden inside the vehicle, along with one live cartridge and one spent cartridge. Police also recovered two mobile phones, a Zealot MP3 player, a face mask, and a black bag. The suspect remains in custody while efforts continue to track down his fleeing accomplices and determine his involvement in other crimes.
Meanwhile, the police also thwarted a robbery attempt at Texas Lodge Hostel in Alihame Community, Agbor. Acting on a distress call around 4:00 a.m. on February 18, 2026, the Divisional Police Officer of Agbor Division, CSP Micheal Obekpa, led an anti-crime patrol team to the scene.
On sighting the patrol team, the suspects reportedly ran into the surrounding bush. Officers immediately secured the area and carried out a thorough search, recovering a locally fabricated pistol and an expended cartridge believed to have been abandoned by the suspects. They also found three mobile phones an iPhone XR, a Samsung device, and a Tecno touch-light phone as well as an earpod and a power bank.
Preliminary investigations have begun, and police say efforts are underway to arrest the fleeing suspects.
Reacting to the developments, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, praised the officers for their professionalism and swift response. He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks, remove illegal firearms from circulation, and ensure those involved in violent crimes face justice. He also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to support police operations.
