Delta Police Recover Arms from Abandoned Vehicle in Asaba

The Police Undercover Surveillance Team attached to the “B” Division in Asaba, Delta State, recently scored a significant victory in their ongoing efforts to combat crime.

The team recovered a cache of weapons, including three locally-made cut-to-size guns, one pump-action gun, and three live cartridges, from an abandoned vehicle left behind by fleeing suspects.

This discovery was disclosed by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, as part of his address highlighting the achievements of the state police force.

The incident took place on 4th September 2024, when the undercover surveillance team was conducting routine patrol duties along Okwe Road near Oko Market in Asaba.

According to CP Abaniwonda, the team noticed a suspicious-looking Toyota Avalon with registration number JJT 253 AJ.

As the officers approached the vehicle, the occupants, sensing imminent danger, quickly abandoned the car and fled the scene on foot.

In a statement regarding the operation, CP Abaniwonda elaborated on the sequence of events: “On the 4th of September 2024, our undercover surveillance team from the ‘B’ Division, Asaba, was on a covert patrol along Okwe Road near Oko Market.

During this operation, they spotted a Toyota Avalon with registration number JJT 253 AJ. The suspects inside the vehicle, upon noticing the police presence, abandoned the car and fled.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of three locally-made cut-to-size guns, one pump-action gun, and three live cartridges.”

The recovery of these weapons is a testament to the vigilance and swift action of the Delta State Police Force, which continues to prioritise the safety and security of residents in the area.

CP Abaniwonda stressed that investigations are currently underway to track down the fleeing suspects and determine the origins of the weapons.

The police believe that the apprehension of these suspects will shed light on potential criminal activities in the region, including armed robbery and other violent crimes that have plagued the community.

The discovery has sparked widespread commendation from various quarters, with many applauding the Delta State Police Command for its dedication to maintaining law and order.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the commitment of his officers to reducing crime in Delta State, particularly in Asaba, which has seen a rise in criminal activities in recent months.

The proactive measures taken by the police, including increased patrols and intelligence gathering, are part of a broader strategy to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks.

CP Abaniwonda used the opportunity to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

He emphasised that community cooperation is vital in the fight against crime, and the police rely heavily on the support and information provided by the public.

The Commissioner also reassured residents that the police would continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Asaba and its environs remain safe for all.

In addition to the arms recovered from the abandoned vehicle, CP Abaniwonda highlighted other successes of the Delta State Police Command in recent weeks.

These include the arrest of several notorious criminals linked to various offences, the dismantling of criminal hideouts, and the recovery of stolen vehicles and other property.

He noted that these achievements underscore the importance of the ongoing collaboration between the police and the community in achieving a crime-free environment.

The Commissioner also called on the suspects who fled the scene to surrender themselves to the police, warning that law enforcement agencies would not relent in their efforts to bring them to justice.

He further assured the public that the recovered weapons would be subjected to forensic analysis to trace their origins and determine whether they have been used in previous criminal activities.

As part of the broader security strategy, the Delta State Police Command has also intensified its focus on intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies.

These efforts are aimed at enhancing the overall effectiveness of the police force in preventing crime and responding swiftly to incidents as they occur.

The recovery of the weapons from the abandoned vehicle is not just a singular success but a critical step in the ongoing fight against crime in Delta State.

It highlights the effectiveness of undercover operations and the importance of continuous vigilance by law enforcement officers.

The Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Abaniwonda, remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property, ensuring that the people of Delta State can go about their daily activities without fear.

In conclusion, the proactive measures taken by the Delta State Police, including the successful recovery of arms and the pursuit of fleeing suspects, demonstrate a clear commitment to public safety.

As the investigation continues, residents of Asaba can be reassured that their police force is actively working to rid the community of criminal elements and uphold the rule of law.

The commendable actions of the undercover surveillance team serve as a reminder of the crucial role that vigilant and dedicated law enforcement plays in safeguarding society.