The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a pump-action gun, a live cartridge, and other weapons during a security operation near the Second Niger Bridge.

Police said the suspects were intercepted on 27 May 2026 during a targeted stop-and-search exercise carried out by operatives of the Department of Operations (DOPS) Buffalo Team attached to the Second Niger Bridge.

According to the command, officers stopped an unregistered blue Hijet Cargo mini bus travelling from Anambra State into Delta State.

What police recovered

The police said the vehicle occupants allegedly attempted to prevent officers from searching the bus and threatened to record the officers if the operation continued.

Despite the resistance, officers conducted a full search of the vehicle.

The search reportedly led to the recovery of:

One pump-action gun

One live cartridge

Two daggers

The suspects were identified as Ugo Chukwu Kendirim, 25, and Odo Jude, 27.

Police said both men were arrested immediately and taken into custody for further investigation.

Police investigation ongoing

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said investigators are working to determine how the suspects came into possession of the weapons and whether they are linked to wider criminal activities.

“The operatives remained professional and conducted a thorough search of the vehicle,” the statement said.

“Preliminary investigation is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the possession of the recovered exhibits and to determine any possible links to criminal activities.”

Why the arrest matters

The arrest comes amid growing public concern over highway crime, armed robbery, and illegal weapons movement across parts of southern Nigeria.

Security experts have repeatedly identified major transport corridors, including routes linked to the Second Niger Bridge, as critical points for policing because of the movement of people and goods between states.

The Second Niger Bridge has become one of the busiest transport gateways connecting the South-East and South-South regions, increasing the importance of intelligence-led security operations in the area.

Analysts say visible stop-and-search operations can help deter criminal activity, although rights groups have also urged police officers to maintain professionalism and respect for civil liberties during enforcement exercises.

Commissioner praises officers

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers involved in the operation.

He said the command would continue proactive policing efforts aimed at preventing crime across the state.

“The Command remains committed to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and sustained efforts to deny criminal elements any operating space within the State,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Public reaction and security concerns

Residents and road users have increasingly called for tighter security monitoring along interstate routes following several reported incidents involving armed gangs and illegal firearms trafficking.

Security observers say the recovery of weapons during routine operations highlights the importance of checkpoints and coordinated intelligence gathering among security agencies.

However, civil society groups continue to stress that stop-and-search operations must be carried out lawfully and without harassment of innocent commuters.

What happens next

Police said investigations are continuing and the suspects may face prosecution if sufficient evidence is established.

Authorities are also expected to examine whether the recovered firearm is connected to previous criminal incidents within Delta State or neighbouring states.

The Ogun State Police Command says it has arrested five suspects, including a father and son, during a series of intelligence-led operations across different parts of the state.

Police authorities also confirmed the recovery of four firearms, one live cartridge, and a stolen Tecno Android phone valued at ₦180,000 during the operations carried out by officers attached to Afon, Ilisan Remo, and Ode Remo divisions.

The arrests come amid growing public concern over armed violence, cult-related activities, and the circulation of illegal firearms in parts of Nigeria.

Father and son arrested over stolen phone, firearms

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, operatives attached to the Afon Division arrested Fatai Adegbola and his 23-year-old son, Waliu Adegbola, following a report of theft received on 22 May 2026.

Police said Waliu Adegbola allegedly stole a Tecno Android phone from a residential apartment earlier in May.

Investigators reportedly tracked and recovered the phone through intelligence gathering before conducting a search of the suspects’ residence with a court-approved warrant.

During the search, officers allegedly recovered a locally made pistol and a dane gun concealed within the premises.

The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue.

“Operatives swiftly tracked and recovered the stolen phone,” the police statement said.

Abandoned firearm recovered during patrol

In a separate operation, officers attached to the Ilisan Remo Division recovered a locally fabricated pistol and one live cartridge during a patrol around Ilisan Remo Roundabout on 27 May 2026.

Police said the weapon was discovered abandoned by the roadside at about 7:30am and was immediately secured by patrol officers.

Authorities added that investigations are ongoing to identify the owner and trace the origin of the firearm.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the proliferation of illegal arms remains a major contributor to violent crimes and communal insecurity across several parts of the country.

Suspect linked to confraternity arrested in Ode Remo

Meanwhile, operatives of the Ode Remo Division arrested 25-year-old Inioluwa Adesanya over the alleged theft of a dane gun from a resident’s home.

Police investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly gained access to the residence while working as a carpenter’s assistant during renovation work.

According to the police, the suspect later confessed to stealing the firearm and admitted affiliation with the Aye confraternity.

Authorities also alleged that the recovered dane gun had been modified for concealment purposes.

The suspect is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Why the arrests matter

The latest arrests reflect ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb the spread of illegal firearms and criminal networks in Ogun State.

Experts say intelligence-led policing has become increasingly important as criminal groups adopt more coordinated tactics, particularly in urban and semi-urban communities.

Residents have also raised concerns about cult-related violence and the use of locally fabricated weapons in robberies and community clashes.

Police commissioner praises operatives

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended officers involved in the operations for what he described as professionalism and effective intelligence gathering.

He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crime, armed robbery, cultism, and illegal possession of firearms across the state.

“The Command remains committed to sustained operations against violent crime, cultism, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms,” the statement said.

Police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through emergency lines provided by the command.

What’s next?

All cases have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and prosecution.

Security observers say the outcome of the investigations could provide more insight into possible criminal networks and the circulation of locally made firearms within Ogun State.

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) says it has arrested a mother and daughter over their alleged involvement in an ₦18 million romance scam targeting a foreign victim.

Police investigators said the case involves allegations of computer-related fraud, identity theft and money laundering following intelligence received from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

According to the NPF-NCCC, the suspects allegedly used multiple Nigerian bank accounts to receive and move fraudulent proceeds linked to an online romance scam operation.

Authorities identified the suspects as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

Police said a third suspect, Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, allegedly coordinated the operation and used the accounts for fraudulent transactions.

Victim reportedly based in Malta

In a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer of the NPF-NCCC, DSP Unwana Imah, investigators said one of the identified victims is a resident of Malta whose identity was withheld.

Preliminary findings suggest the victim transferred money through money transfer operators and direct deposits into bank accounts allegedly controlled by Rokibat Imoru.

Investigators further alleged that the funds were later transferred into an Ecobank account belonging to Urowhe Diana before being spent.

The police said digital forensic investigations linked the suspects to the alleged scheme.

“Following forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital footprints, the mother and daughter were arrested for their active involvement in a romance scam operation,” the statement said.

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to arrest Emmanuel Amanfo, described as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

Why the case matters

Cybercrime and online romance scams remain a growing concern in Nigeria and globally, with fraudsters increasingly targeting foreign victims through fake online identities and emotional manipulation.

Financial crimes experts say romance scams often involve organised networks that use social media platforms, dating apps and encrypted messaging services to gain victims’ trust before requesting money.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), banks and cybersecurity agencies have repeatedly warned Nigerians about the reputational and economic damage caused by internet fraud.

Analysts say such cases also place additional pressure on Nigeria’s banking system and financial monitoring institutions tasked with tracking suspicious transactions.

Police vow crackdown on cybercrime

The Nigeria Police Force said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

The agency also reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

However, the statement referenced IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu in its remarks about ongoing cybersecurity efforts.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and protecting the nation’s cyberspace,” the statement added.

The NPF-NCCC urged members of the public to report suspicious online activities through its official cybercrime reporting channels.

Growing global concern over romance scams

Cybersecurity experts say romance scams continue to rise worldwide as fraudsters exploit loneliness, trust and digital anonymity.

According to international anti-fraud agencies, victims of romance scams often lose significant amounts of money before discovering the deception.

Experts advise internet users to avoid sending money to people they have never physically met and to verify identities before entering financial arrangements online.

What happens next

Police say investigations are ongoing and additional arrests could follow if more individuals are linked to the alleged fraud network.

Authorities are also expected to intensify digital forensic analysis and financial tracing linked to the transactions.

The suspects are expected to face prosecution once investigations are completed.