The issuance of a warning by the Delta Police was documented in an official statement signed by DSP Edafe Bright, the designated spokesperson. This action was taken on Wednesday subsequent to the occurrence of an incident involving the demise of an individual suspected of engaging in armed robbery, as well as the apprehension of three adolescents who are suspected of being involved in armed robbery and murder in the city of Warri.
Additionally, the authorities seized two firearms of local origin that had been customized to fit specific dimensions from the individuals involved in the incident. The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, issued a stern warning to all those engaged in criminal activities, urging them to refrain from such behavior.
Bright stated that the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, emphasized the importance of effective parenting as a crucial factor in combating crime. Abass advised that parents should be fully aware of their obligations.
CP Abass emphasizes the importance for parents and guardians to ensure the well-being of their children by actively overseeing and imparting useful preventative knowledge. This guidance is intended to equip children with the necessary skills to resist negative influences and thus steer clear of engaging in criminal behavior.
According to Bright, the DPO of 'B' Division Warri received a distress call on 29 September 2023 regarding an armed robbery incident at Giwamu Junction in Warri, Delta State.
During the incident, a law enforcement officer operating covertly was present at the location and observed one of the individuals involved. Subsequently, the officer proceeded to follow the individual to a Suya establishment situated at Enerhen Junction.
The Deputy Police Officer (DPO) 'B' Warri, SP Bolarinwa Alabi, carried out an operation based on the instructions of the Delta Commissioner of Police, Abass. This operation was conducted with the assistance of his team and resulted in the arrest of a 14-year-old individual named Gift Peace at the Suya location located at Enerhen intersection.
The adolescent admitted to being a participant in a criminal organization involved in armed robberies that instill fear in the region of Warri and its surrounding areas. Furthermore, he disclosed that he has been engaged in these illicit activities from the age of seven.
The individual made reference to further individuals and then led the investigators to the location where they were concealing themselves. Upon the visual detection of law enforcement personnel, the individuals affiliated with the gang proceeded to discharge firearms from their unregistered and functional three-wheeled vehicle. In turn, an appropriate and proportional reaction was initiated in response to their aggressive behavior.
According to Bright, throughout the course of the incident, it was observed that one of the individuals involved, afterwards identified as the ringleader of the criminal organization, got significant gunshot wounds, while the remaining individuals managed to evade capture.
The individual was transported to the medical facility, where the attending physician ultimately verified their decease. The recovered exhibit comprises the operational tricycle utilized by the gang, together with a locally manufactured cut-to-size single-barrel firearm. The firearm was found with expended ammunition in the stock, as well as three live cartridges.
Two male individuals affiliated with a gang, namely Idigbe Osreis (19) and Idigbe Perfect (16), were subsequently apprehended at their undisclosed location.
According to the Delta Police spokesperson, continuous efforts are being made to apprehend the absconding individual and to further retrieve additional weaponry associated with their operations.