The Delta State Police Command has recorded two major operational successes with the recovery of a locally made firearm following a botched robbery attack in Effurun and the arrest of a suspected drug peddler during a raid in Agbor.
The Command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the developments in a statement on Tuesday, saying the operations underscore the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crime and drug trafficking across the state.
According to the statement, a dramatic robbery attempt unfolded at about 5:30 a.m. on September 4 when two masked men armed with a locally made shotgun forced their way into the residence of a 48-year-old man in the Charlisco area along the NPA Express Road in Effurun.
Instead of giving in to the attackers, the victim confronted one of the armed suspects in a fierce struggle, causing the locally made gun to break.
The second suspect reportedly struck the homeowner on the forehead before both men fled the scene, leaving the damaged firearm behind.
The incident was reported at the Ekpan Police Division at about 6:14 a.m., after which the Divisional Police Officer deployed officers to the scene. The abandoned firearm was recovered, while the injured victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Police said a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In another operation carried out on September 6, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Joy Anthony, a 40-year-old woman suspected of dealing in illicit drugs.
A search of her residence in Agbor-Obi, conducted under a valid search warrant, led to the recovery of quantities of Swinol, Tramadol, Codeine, Canadian Loud, and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
The suspect remains in police custody alongside the recovered exhibits, while investigations continue.
Commending the bravery of the robbery victim, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, “commended the 48yrs old courageous man who fought off the suspected criminals while assuring him that the suspects will be tracked down and arrested.”
The Commissioner also urged members of the public to support security agencies with credible information that could help prevent crime and arrest criminal suspects.
“Anyone with useful information that will assist the police in the area of crime fighting should contact the nearest Police station or the Command Control Room on 08036684974, 08114895600, or 08025666914.” He said.