Controversy has surrounded the recent arrest of 270 suspects by the Delta State Police Command in Warri, Ughelli, and Uvwie local government areas last Wednesday and Thursday. Many of those detained have denied police allegations that they were cultists or involved in illicit drug trafficking.
A video trending on social media showed children and relatives of some of the suspects gathered in front of a police station, insisting that their parents and family members were innocent. The footage has heightened public scrutiny of the police operation.
Activist Mr. Israel Joe questioned why the police had not arraigned the suspects in court, particularly those taken into custody on Wednesday, describing this as a violation of their rights. He also alleged that one of the detainees had died while in custody, claims that have fueled further controversy.
Responding to the allegations, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrests in a press statement. He clarified that the operation was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who oversees operations, and was aimed at eliminating criminal elements from areas identified as “dark spots.”
Edafe dismissed the claim regarding the death of a suspect, describing it as false. According to the statement, the first phase of the operation involved a total of 59 suspects—51 males and eight females—arrested at criminal hideouts, including a notorious bush bar, in Warri South, Uvwie, and Okpe Local Government Areas.
In a follow-up operation on 26th March 2026, DCP Adejobi led another team composed of members from the Crack Squad, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and Buffalo Squad in Ughelli. This raid reportedly resulted in the arrest of 213 additional suspects, bringing the total number of detainees to 270.
The police emphasized that these targeted raids were part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal activities and restore public safety. However, the lack of immediate court arraignment and the ongoing claims by relatives have sparked calls for transparency and accountability in handling the suspects.
The situation has drawn widespread attention, raising questions about law enforcement practices and the balance between crime control and protection of citizens’ rights in Delta State.
