Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have apprehended a 36-year-old woman, Ekene Chroma, and her alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Okafor Jonathan, over suspected involvement in illegal arms trafficking.
The arrests were made during a sting operation conducted on Thursday, June 13, 2025, in the Okpanam area of Asaba, the state capital. The operation was carried out by officers attached to the Commissioner of Police (CP) Special Assignment Team.
Spokesperson for the command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement released on Monday, June 16. According to Edafe, the operatives acted on credible intelligence which led to the swift arrest of the suspects.
“On 13th June, 2025, at approximately 1600hrs, operatives from the CP’s Special Assignment Team embarked on a sting operation in Okpanam, Asaba, and successfully arrested two individuals suspected to be engaged in gunrunning,” the statement read.
The suspects were identified as Ekene Chroma, a 36-year-old woman from Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area, and Okafor Jonathan, an 18-year-old male from Onicha-Ugbo, also in Aniocha North LGA. Both individuals are residents of Okpanam.
Upon conducting a search, police recovered two English-made single-barrel guns and 110 live cartridges from the suspects. Preliminary investigations suggest that the duo may be actively involved in the illicit trade of firearms.
“Suspects are currently in custody, and all recovered exhibits have been secured. Further investigations are ongoing to unravel the full extent of their operations and identify possible collaborators,” Edafe added.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, while commending the successful operation, expressed gratitude to members of the public for their continued support in providing actionable intelligence.
“The CP deeply appreciates the valuable cooperation from the residents of Delta State, whose timely information plays a pivotal role in the Command’s numerous breakthroughs,” the statement noted.
He further appealed to other well-meaning members of the public to support the ongoing efforts of the police in curbing crime and ensuring public safety across the state.
“Collective vigilance and support are crucial to achieving a safer and more secure Delta State,” CP Abaniwonda emphasized.