Suspects intercepted along Agbarho–Warri Road as third occupant escapes into nearby swamp
The Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspected criminals and recovered two locally fabricated Beretta pistols, nine rounds of live ammunition, suspected cocaine and other items during a stop-and-search operation along the Agbarho–Warri Road.
The operation was carried out on Saturday, July 25, 2026, by operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol as part of ongoing efforts by the Command to strengthen security along major roads and prevent criminal activities across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the suspects were intercepted while travelling in a grey Mercedes-Benz ML SUV with registration number AAA 604 JZ.
The two arrested suspects were identified as Omini Ezeri, 46, and Chinedum Wagbara, 42, both residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Police said a third occupant of the vehicle, identified as God Knows Ifreke, fled during preliminary interrogation and escaped into a nearby swamp.
Operatives subsequently conducted a thorough search of the vehicle, leading to the recovery of what the Police described as significant incriminating exhibits.
The recovered items include two locally fabricated Beretta pistols loaded with nine rounds of live ammunition, approximately 200 grams of a substance suspected to be cocaine, one walkie-talkie, one dagger, one grinder and two sophisticated mobile phones.
The Mercedes-Benz SUV was also recovered by the Police.
The two suspects are currently in Police custody as investigation continues, while security operatives have commenced efforts to locate and arrest the fleeing third suspect.
The Command said the recovery of the firearms and ammunition was particularly important given the security implications associated with the movement and possession of illegal firearms.
The Police have not, however, established through a court of law that the arrested persons committed any offence. They remain suspects until the conclusion of investigation and any subsequent prosecution before a competent court.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the Safer Highway Patrol operatives for their vigilance and professionalism during the operation.
The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s determination to make Delta State increasingly difficult for criminals and individuals involved in the unlawful possession of firearms and trafficking of illicit drugs.
He also called on residents to continue providing credible and timely information to the Police and other security agencies.
According to the Command, cooperation from members of the public remains important in identifying criminal activities, tracking suspects and preventing crimes before they occur.
The Agbarho–Warri Road is an important transport route connecting communities and commercial centres within Delta State, making security operations along the corridor significant to the safety of motorists, passengers and residents.
The Police said the latest operation forms part of broader efforts to sustain highway patrols, stop-and-search activities and intelligence-led operations across Delta State.
The recovery of suspected illicit drugs alongside firearms and ammunition is also expected to form part of the ongoing investigation as the Police work to establish the source and intended destination of the recovered items.
The Command said further developments would be communicated as investigation progresses.
IBN News will continue to monitor the investigation and report verified updates from the Delta State Police Command.
