Delta Police Nab Suspect with Military Gear, Illicit Drugs in Sienna

The Delta State Police Command recently announced a major breakthrough, confirming the interception of a vehicle laden with military accoutrements and various suspected illicit substances. This development was officially communicated in a statement released on Saturday by SP Bright Edafe, the command's Police Public Relations Officer, distributed to journalists in Warri.

According to the statement, the operation leading to this seizure occurred on Friday, September 18, 2026. Acting on reliable intelligence, officers from the Command’s Anti-Cult Unit (CACU) in Asaba established surveillance along a suspected route. Their intelligence indicated that a Sienna vehicle, transporting illicit drugs and military items, was en route from Onitsha to Ondo State.

Around 4:50 AM, the team successfully stopped a green Toyota Sienna, bearing registration number KP 527 AAA. The driver was identified as Isaac Urji, a 45-year-old man from Abia State. During a thorough search of the vehicle, authorities discovered several cartons containing suspected Tramadol, alongside other illicit drugs, as well as military camouflage uniforms, boots, and hats.

SP Edafe confirmed the immediate arrest of the suspect. An investigation is now underway to ascertain the origin and intended destination of these recovered items, and to identify any other individuals linked to this illicit consignment.

In related news concerning anti-crime efforts, the State Police Command also reported the apprehension of several suspected cultists. These arrests were part of an intelligence-driven operation focused on tackling kidn*pping and cultism within Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas.

The PPRO elaborated that on September 18, 2026, officers from the Special Anti-Kidn*pping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, conducted a covert operation in Alisheme Community, Ika South LGA, based on credible intelligence. This led to the arrest of Destiny Okafor, 18, and Sunday Bryan, 22, both implicated in cultism and kidn*pping activities. Preliminary questioning revealed that both suspects are members of the NBM Confraternity. Items seized during this operation included a locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, several mobile phones, and a laptop. Both individuals remain in police custody as further investigations proceed.

Furthermore, on September 15, 2026, the Divisional Police Officer for Issele-Uku Division received intelligence about suspected cultist activities in Ogboli Quarter and other areas of Issele-Uku. In response, he mobilized and led a joint task force, consisting of Police Anti-Cult personnel, vigilantes, hunters, and Forest Security operatives, to conduct a thorough cordon-and-search operation. This concerted effort resulted in the arrest of four suspected cultists and the recovery of two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun, and six live cartridges. Investigations into this matter are also ongoing.

In light of these successes, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, reaffirmed the command's unwavering commitment to maintaining intelligence-led operations aimed at combating kidn*pping, cultism, and the spread of illegal firearms throughout Delta State. He appealed to the public to continue offering reliable information to the police, assuring them that all tips would be handled with the strictest confidentiality.