The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected fraudsters and drug peddlers in two separate intelligence-led operations conducted across Asaba and parts of Ika North-East Local Government Area, recovering counterfeit United States currency, military camouflage materials, and quantities of suspected illicit drugs.
The arrest followed credible intelligence received by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit, who placed a five-man syndicate under surveillance over their alleged involvement in a fraud scheme targeting unsuspecting members of the public with counterfeit United States dollar notes.
The suspects were also said to have been operating with a red unregistered Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV, which they allegedly used to facilitate their activities within Asaba.
According to the police, the surveillance operation culminated in the arrest of four suspects identified as Joshua Nwaosa, Daniel Arhewe, Prince Chukwuma, and John Egwuba along Nnebisi Road, Asaba. During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted to operating from a concealed hideout within the city.
Following this disclosure, operatives immediately stormed the suspected base, where a follow-up search led to the recovery of 1,600 counterfeit United States dollar notes.
Military camouflage materials were also discovered and seized from the premises. The command noted that the recoveries point to a structured operation, while investigations are ongoing to establish the full network behind the syndicate and possible accomplices.
In a separate operation conducted later the same day at about 11:15 a.m., operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on actionable intelligence, raided Owaliru and Alihame communities in Ika North-East Local Government Area.
During the operation, two female suspects, Ifeoma Egbule (36) and Anayeokwu Florence (51) were arrested after being found in possession of significant quantities of suspected illicit substances.
Items recovered from them included GH Gold, Colorado, Cannabis, and Canadian Loud, all suspected psychoactive substances allegedly intended for distribution within the communities.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects were actively involved in the supply and circulation of these drugs within the area, contributing to local distribution networks.
Police authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the drug trafficking network, as part of broader measures to curb narcotics-related crimes in the state.
Confirming the arrest on Thursday, The Command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, stated that investigations remain active, with detectives working to dismantle all connected criminal links.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their professionalism, diligence, and effective use of intelligence. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led policing operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and enhancing security across Delta State.