Delta Police Arrest 202 Suspects in Massive Crackdown on Criminal Hideouts

The Delta State Police Command has arrested 202 suspects during a coordinated intelligence-led operation targeting criminal hideouts across the Asaba metropolis in what is being described as one of the Command’s largest single raids this year.

The operation, conducted on Saturday, July 4, was carried out in identified black spots, brothels and suspected illicit drug dens across the state capital under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations.

According to the Command, the raid followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering by the State Intelligence Department (SID), which had been monitoring criminal activities in the affected locations.

Police said 102 males and 100 females were arrested during the operation. The suspects are being investigated over allegations ranging from operating unlicensed brothels to the possession and sale of prohibited substances.

In addition to the arrests, officers impounded five vehicles, 10 tricycles and 10 motorcycles for various offences, including traffic violations and breaches of the state’s restrictions on tricycle operations, as well as the ban on motorcycles in designated areas.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, said the operation underscores the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-driven policing and deny criminal elements safe havens in the state.

“Criminal elements will have no space to operate in this state. We will continue to sustain enforcement operations against all forms of criminality,” the Commissioner said.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with credible and timely information that would aid crime prevention and law enforcement.

The Command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed the operation in a statement issued on Sunday, describing it as part of an ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across Delta State.

The police said all 202 suspects remain in custody as investigations continue ahead of possible prosecution.