Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a sweeping intelligence-led security operation that highlights ongoing efforts to curb violent crime and illicit networks, the Delta State Police Command has uncovered an illegal firearm manufacturing workshop, arrested a suspected gun fabricator, seized multiple locally made weapons and conducted further arrests for drug-related crimes in different parts of the state. This coordinated action underscores intensifying law enforcement focus on curbing the proliferation of illegal arms and other criminal activities in southern Nigeria.
Operatives of the Raiders Squad of the Police Command, acting on credible information, raided a suspected illegal gun-making site in Emuhu Community in the Ika South Local Government Area in the early hours of March 6, 2026. The location was believed to be a clandestine workshop where firearms were being fabricated without licence or oversight. The operation was led by the Commander of the Raiders Squad, SP Akanya Agbogha, and took place at around 5:00 a.m., police sources said.
During the carefully planned raid, officers detained a 59-year-old man identified as Friday Ojei, who is accused of operating the illicit facility. Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe confirmed the arrest and said the suspect remains in custody as investigators work to map out the broader network allegedly involved in the production and distribution of illegal weapons.
A thorough search of the premises uncovered four locally manufactured firearms, raising concerns among security officials about the potential distribution of these weapons to criminal elements. Investigators also discovered several pieces of equipment believed to have been used to construct the guns, including a welding machine, a drilling machine and a grinding machine, together with metal pipes and other materials suspected of being integral to the fabrication process. Authorities said all items were seized as exhibits and will be subject to forensic analysis.
In an apparent effort to dismantle interconnected criminal activities, the Delta Police Command also conducted an additional patrol operation in Ovwian-Aladja Division of Udu Local Government Area. During this stop-and-search exercise along Film Hall Road, a combined team of police operatives, Police Raiders Volunteers, Anti-Cult Volunteers and Hunters Volunteers approached a group of suspicious individuals who fled the scene upon sighting security personnel. In their haste, the suspects dropped a black bag, which upon search yielded a locally fabricated short gun. This weapon was collected as evidence while police pursue leads to track down the fleeing suspects.
Further complementing the enforcement efforts, a targeted operation in the Udu area, prompted by credible intelligence about illicit drug activities along Oruworowh Road, led to the arrest of a 43-year-old woman named Esther Etafo. Police, in collaboration with members of the Anti-Cult Volunteer Group, raided a suspected drug distribution point and recovered various quantities of alleged hard drugs, including cannabis (weed), kolos, ice and loud, as well as fermented Indian hemp. Alongside the narcotics, investigators also recovered three blenders suspected to be used in processing the substances and 55,000 naira in cash, believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales. The suspect is currently undergoing questioning.
Police leadership says these operations reflect a broader, proactive strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks and stemming the tide of illegal firearms and drug distribution in the state. Commissioner of Police CP Aina Adesola praised the operatives involved for their vigilance, discipline and professionalism during complex and potentially dangerous missions. He urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stating that community cooperation remains pivotal in identifying and dismantling criminal rings that threaten public safety.
Security analysts note that the presence of locally fabricated weapons in rural communities is particularly troubling. Although rudimentary, these arms are often durable and capable of causing significant harm, especially when circulated among armed gangs, cultist groups, kidnappers and other non-state actors. Illegal firearms contribute to a range of violent crimes, including kidnappings, robberies and violent clashes with security forces. The recent seizures, officials say, are a stark reminder of how unregulated weapons can fuel instability and insecurity at the community level.
The Delta operations also reflect a larger national challenge faced by Nigerian security agencies, which have reported similar discoveries of illicit firearm production and seizures in other states. Previous joint military and police actions, for example, have led to arrests of suspects with large caches of weapons and ammunition in regions such as Cross River and Kano, underlining the widespread and persistent nature of illegal arms circulation. These recurring incidents highlight how criminal networks adapt to enforcement efforts and underline the necessity of sustained intelligence-driven policing.
Delta State residents have welcomed the police actions, with many community members expressing relief that authorities are taking concrete steps to confront crime at its roots. Local leaders have urged residents to remain vigilant and to assist law enforcement with information that could further disrupt illegal activities.
As investigations continue into the Emuhu firearm factory and linked cases, police efforts extend to tracing the sources of weapon components, identifying collaborators, and securing additional arrests where evidence points to broader criminal involvement. Law enforcement officials stress that the fight against illegal arms manufacturing and distribution is ongoing, and that public safety agencies remain committed to protecting citizens across the state.
These developments in Delta State illustrate the evolving nature of law enforcement challenges in Nigeria and the determination of security agencies to respond with coordinated, intelligence-led actions to protect communities and uphold the rule of law.
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