The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspects in separate operations targeting armed robbery and cult-related activities in Umunede and Ughelli.

The operations also led to the recovery of seven firearms, 10 live cartridges, two stolen motorcycles and substances suspected to be cannabis and methamphetamine.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the developments in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.

Edafe said the first operation followed a complaint lodged at the Umunede Police Division on October 30 by a resident who alleged that a 30-year-old man, Chibuike Ezeji, had threatened to kill him while brandishing a pistol.

Acting on the report, police operatives, working with members of the Umunede Civilian Anti-Cult Group, raided a residence along Umunede Expressway where the suspect was reportedly staying.

The operation resulted in the arrest of Ezeji and another suspect, 22-year-old Ikenna Emeka.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of a pump-action gun, a locally made cut-to-size firearm, three locally made pistols, eight live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis and methamphetamine.

In a separate operation on October 28, operatives of the Commissioner’s Special Assignment Team raided a suspected criminal hideout in the Ighrovie area of Ughelli following complaints about motorcycle thefts along Stadium Road, Saniko and neighbouring communities.

The operation led to the arrest of Peter Emobaye, 22, and James Emmanuel, 29, while a stolen Qlink motorcycle was recovered.

Edafe said preliminary interrogation led the suspects to identify their alleged gang leader, known as Sunny, whose residence in Ufuoma Town was subsequently searched.

During the search, officers recovered a stolen Daylong motorcycle, a fabricated Beretta pistol, a locally made shotgun and two live cartridges.

The police spokesperson said the four suspects remained in custody as investigations continued, while efforts were underway to apprehend the alleged gang leader and other members of the suspected criminal network.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling armed robbery, cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

He urged residents to provide credible and timely information to support security operations and help protect lives and property across the state.