Police arrest two suspected armed robbers in Delta, recover illicit drugs

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Operatives of the Anti-Vice Squad of the Delta State Police Command in Ughelli, in collaboration with members of the local Vigilante group, have arrested two suspected armed robbers linked to a series of robbery incidents within Ughelli and its environs.

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PUNCH Online gathered that the operation was carried out on June 14, 2026, following credible intelligence received by the operatives.

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“Acting swiftly on the information, the team stormed the Okorodafe area of Ughelli at about 1630hrs and arrested one Moses Francis, aged 29 years.

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“During preliminary investigation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in several robbery operations, including a robbery incident that occurred along Aro Street, Ughelli, in April 2026.

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“The suspect led operatives to a hideout in Ughelli, where another suspected member of the gang, Cosmos Erueseke, aged 26 years, was arrested at about 17:40 hours on the same day”.

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Confirming the incident, the police public relations officer (PPRO) for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, told journalists on Tuesday that “the suspects are currently in custody”.

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Edafe further stated that “efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the criminal syndicate, and to recover the firearms and other exhibits used in their operations”.

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In a separate operation, operatives of the Command Anti-Vice Squad deployed on stop-and-search duty along the Ozoro/Oleh Expressway at about 0400hrs on June 14, 2026, intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle bearing registration number FST 242 YK.

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“Upon interception and during the course of a routine search and questioning, the driver suddenly abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush”, the police spokesman said.

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He stated that despite an immediate pursuit by the operatives, the suspect escaped from the scene.

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The PPRO, however, noted that “a comprehensive search of the abandoned vehicle led to the recovery of a large quantity of substances suspected to be illicit drugs, including Codeine, Tramadol, Swinol, Man G, and Vega”.

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He affirmed that “the exhibits have been taken into custody, while investigations have commenced to identify, locate, and arrest the fleeing suspect”.

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Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has commended the operatives “for their professionalism and resilience”.

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The CP reaffirmed the Command’s “unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating drug-related crimes, and ensuring the safety and security of residents across the State”.

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