The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on violent crime with the recovery of three pump-action guns, three suspected stolen motorcycles and the arrest of five suspects in separate operations across the state, even as the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism, intelligence-led policing and respect for human rights.

The latest security breakthroughs came as the police commissioner addressed officers of the command during a strategic lecture on Tuesday, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, strengthen community policing and align their operations with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police for efficient and people-centred policing.

The developments were disclosed in separate statements made available to journalists by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe. Blueprint reports

Police intercept armed suspect on expressway

In one of the operations, operatives attached to ‘C’ Division, Asaba, on July 27, 2026, intercepted and arrested a suspect identified as Joseph Tyavzua during a stop-and-search operation along the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway.

Police said the suspect was travelling into Onitsha on a commercial motorcycle when officers discovered one pump-action gun in his possession.

During preliminary interrogation, Tyavzua reportedly claimed to be a member of a local vigilante group but failed to produce any legal authorisation permitting him to possess the firearm.

The police immediately recovered the weapon and took the suspect into custody, while investigations are continuing to determine the source of the firearm and whether it is linked to any criminal activities within or outside the state.

The command noted that the arrest underscores the importance of routine stop-and-search operations in preventing the movement of illegal arms and curbing violent crimes.

Robbery investigation leads to more arrests

In another operation, detectives attached to Ekpan Division recorded a major breakthrough following a report of the robbery of a commercial motorcycle rider along Jakpa Road in Effurun.

Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, the operatives tracked down and arrested two principal suspects identified as Edodo Gift, 41, and Emoefe Solomon, 27.

According to the police, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the robbery and subsequently led investigators to two suspected receivers of stolen property identified as Fodio Bello, 27, and Kabiru Mohammed, 25, at Otor-Whe near Oleh.

The follow-up operation resulted in the recovery of two additional pump-action guns as well as three motorcycles believed to have been stolen during robbery operations.

Police said all four suspects are currently in custody, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.

The command added that investigations are ongoing to establish whether the gang is connected to other cases of armed robbery reported across the state.

CP reaffirms commitment to safer Delta

Commending the officers for the successful operations, Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi described the recoveries and arrests as further evidence of the command’s resolve to rid Delta State of violent criminals.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and sustained operations against armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and other violent offences.

The police boss urged residents to continue partnering with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist ongoing efforts to identify, track and apprehend criminal elements.

According to him, effective policing requires active collaboration between law enforcement agencies and members of the public.

Professionalism, human rights remain priority

Speaking earlier during a lecture and strategic briefing for officers of the command, CP Oyeniyi charged personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

He reminded officers that civility, discipline and respect for human rights remain fundamental principles of modern policing, stressing that every encounter with members of the public should reflect integrity, fairness and accountability.

The commissioner directed investigating officers to ensure that completed investigations are promptly charged to court and warned against unnecessary detention of suspects, noting that adherence to due process strengthens public confidence in the criminal justice system.

He also called on senior officers to mentor younger personnel and instil in them the ethics and values expected of members of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to him, experienced officers have a responsibility to guide junior colleagues through exemplary leadership, discipline and sound professional conduct.

The police commissioner further urged officers to deepen community policing initiatives by strengthening relationships with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders across Delta State.

He explained that intelligence gathering and crime prevention become more effective when communities have confidence in the police and are willing to volunteer useful information.

CP Oyeniyi assured residents that the Delta State Police Command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies, improve operational effectiveness and sustain the ongoing offensive against criminal elements.

He said the command remains committed to protecting lives and property while ensuring that policing is carried out within the provisions of the law and in line with international best practices.

The police commissioner expressed confidence that with professionalism, discipline and the continued support of residents, the command would build on its recent operational successes and further enhance security across Delta State.