…recover firearm linked to cultism, murder case
Dare Babalola
The Delta State Police Command has announced major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking and violent crime, including the interception of suspected cocaine concealed inside energy-saving bulbs and the recovery of a pump-action gun linked to a cult-related murder investigation.
The developments were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, who said the operations were carried out through coordinated intelligence-led efforts across different units of the Command.
According to the statement, operatives attached to the Safer Highway Patrol intercepted a Toyota Sienna bus on April 13, 2026, along the Onicha-Ugbo/Ewohimi Road while it was conveying passengers toward northern Nigeria.
The vehicle, driven by a 47-year-old man identified as Osuke Stephen, was subjected to what the Command described as a routine but intelligence-driven search, which led to the discovery of illicit drugs cleverly concealed in electric bulbs.
Edafe explained that officers recovered two categories of narcotics during the operation.
“The operatives recovered 490 grams of substance suspected to be cocaine and 4 grams of loud concealed inside energy-saving bulbs,” the statement read.
Preliminary investigations, according to the Command, indicated that the consignment was being transported to Abuja. Authorities added that efforts were ongoing to track down other suspects connected to the drug trafficking network.
In a separate operation on the same day, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) recovered a pump-action gun with three live cartridges in the Ekigbo area of Ughelli, Delta State.
The recovery followed sustained investigations into a case involving conspiracy, cultism, and the murder of one Alex Adanike, who was killed on January 15, 2026, in Ughelli.
The Command stated that three suspects had already been arrested, charged to court, and remanded in custody in connection with the killing.
Further intelligence reportedly led investigators to a suspect identified as Eddy Onose, who is currently at large. The police said he allegedly abandoned the firearm after discovering he was being trailed by operatives.
According to the statement, “the suspect is linked to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as ‘ARO BAGGAR’, and is currently on the run.”
The police added that coordinated efforts with local vigilante groups have been intensified to ensure his arrest and the recovery of additional evidence.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across Delta State.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies in the fight against crime, stressing that community cooperation remains crucial to maintaining public safety.
The Command said the recent operations reflect its broader strategy to curb drug trafficking, cult-related violence, and illegal arms circulation across the state.
