DELTA POLICE ARREST NATIVE DOCTOR FOR GUN RUNNING, NABS CULTISTS WITH ARMS IN SEPARATE OPERATION

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a 47-year-old native doctor, Okonji Chimeze, over alleged involvement in gun running.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, revealed in a statement on Tuesday that Chimeze, a resident of Umuehe Quarters in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area, was apprehended by the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad on June 14, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m.

Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives conducted a search at the suspect’s residence, where they discovered two automatic pump-action rifles and a cutlass hidden in the ceiling of his room.

“The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing,” Edafe said.

In a separate operation, the command’s Eagle-Net Surveillance Team intercepted a black Toyota Corolla during a routine stop-and-search at Otokutu Bridge, Ughelli North Local Government Area, on June 18.

The car, driven by 27-year-old Telvin Richmond, with 26-year-old Frank Obiorah as a passenger, was searched, revealing a cache of dangerous items hidden in the vehicle’s door compartment. Items recovered include a locally made cut-to-size gun, a wooden pistol, a battle axe, and two hand bands of the Neo Black Movement (NBM).

Preliminary investigation confirmed that both suspects are members of the Aiye Confraternity, and the firearm was reportedly purchased in 2024 for N87,000 from a yet-to-be apprehended supplier.

The police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down the source of the weapons and bring all involved parties to justice.