The police command in Delta State says it has arrested four suspected armed robbers and cultists and recovered seven firearms, 10 live cartridges, two stolen motorcycles and other items in separate operations targeting cultism and armed robbery in Umunede and Ughelli.

In a statement on Saturday, Bright Edafe, the command’s spokesperson, said that at about 1:15 p.m. on Friday, a resident of Umunede reported that a suspect had threatened to kill him.

He stated that a suspect identified as Chibuike Ezeji, 30, threatened to kill the resident while brandishing a pistol.

“Acting on the complaint, operatives of the Division, in collaboration with members of the Umunede Civilian Anti-Cult Group, proceeded to a residence along Umunede Expressway belonging to one Oscar Ignatius, a suspected cultist, where the alleged offender was reportedly residing,” he said.

He stated that the operation led to the arrest of Mr Ezeji and one Ikenna Emeka, 22.

“A search of the premises led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one locally made cut-to-size gun, three locally made pistols, eight live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis and methamphetamine (ice),” Mr Edafe said.

According to him, the suspects were in police custody while investigations were ongoing.

Mr Edafe said that in a separate incident on Wednesday, at about 5:30 p.m., the police, acting on complaints of motorcycle snatching by armed men along Stadium Road, Saniko and adjoining areas of Ughelli, raided a suspected criminal hideout in the Ighrovie area of the town.

He explained that the operation led to the arrest of Peter Emobaye, 22, and James Emmanuel, 29, and the recovery of a stolen Qlink motorcycle.

The police said the suspects subsequently led operatives to the residence of their alleged gang leader, identified only as Sunny, in Ufuoma town.

According to Mr Edafe, a search of the premises led to the recovery of another stolen motorcycle, a Daylong, one fabricated Beretta pistol, a locally made shotgun and two live cartridges.

The police said the suspects were in custody, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate.