The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspect and recovered assorted weapons from him in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Tuesday in Warri.
Edafe said the 45-year-old suspect was arrested on Saturday by operatives of the Orerokpe Police Division, working with members of the Civilian Anti-Cult group, Osubi unit.
He said the suspect and his accomplices were transporting musical equipment in two Sienna vehicles when they were intercepted by the police team along the Warri/Sapele Road.
The command’s spokesperson added that the other occupants fled after sighting the police.
He said that a search conducted on the vehicles led to the recovery of three locally-made single-barrel guns and one live cartridge.
“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly identified the leader of the gang as a suspect who was previously arrested and arraigned for armed robbery, before being granted bail on health grounds.
“Further investigation led the joint team to a Scrap Yard in Warri, suspected to be the gang’s operational base.
“Items recovered from the yard included three motorcycles, 22 air conditioners, 13 washing machines, 29 motorcycle and tricycle engines.
“Others are: musical equipment, television sets, a generator, a laptop and other suspected stolen items,” he said.
Edafe said preliminary investigations linked the gang to recent armed robbery incidents in Kwale and Warri.
He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest the gang leader and other members who fled the scene.