Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected armed robbers in separate operations across the state, recovering a locally made pistol and other exhibits.
The arrests were carried out as part of ongoing efforts by the command to rid the state of criminal elements and curb violent crime.
The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, adding that two of the suspects were arrested on June 23 following an attempted robbery at a residential compound.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects had unlawfully gained access to the premises but fled after noticing the presence of occupants.
Edafe said vigilant residents quickly mobilised and apprehended the suspect alongside an accomplice before handing them over to the police.
He stated that acting on intelligence obtained during interrogation, operatives of the Ugborikoko Division conducted a search of the suspects’ residence, where a locally made pistol was recovered from a wardrobe.
“The suspects are in custody while investigations are ongoing to determine their involvement in other criminal activities,” he said.
In a separate operation, police operatives attached to the ‘A’ Division in Ughelli, working in collaboration with members of a local vigilante group, arrested two other suspects linked to a failed kidnap attempt that occurred on June 19.
The suspects, identified as Iliyasu Hassan, 16, and Idris Abdulkarim, 32, were apprehended on June 22 after they reportedly emerged from a nearby forest to purchase food and medication.
Edafe disclosed that one of the victims of a previous kidnapping incident positively identified the suspects as members of the gang that attacked him.
He added that the suspects remain in police custody and are assisting investigators with useful information aimed at tracking down other members of the syndicate and recovering weapons used in their operations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended residents for their vigilance and cooperation with security agencies, noting that community support remained critical to crime-fighting efforts.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies, assuring them of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Delta State.