The Delta State Police Command has arrested 22 suspected drug dealers and rescued two minors during coordinated intelligence-led raids on suspected drug dens and criminal hideouts in Ozoro and Abraka communities.
The operation, conducted on July 21, forms part of the command’s ongoing crackdown on illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities across Delta State.
The command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to him, the operation was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected drug traffickers.
Edafe explained that the police simultaneously raided identified criminal locations in Ofagbe Community, Ozoro, Ekrejeta and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) area in Abraka.
“On 21st July 2026, at about 1500 hours, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, led operatives of the Command on a coordinated raid of identified illicit drug dens and criminal hideouts at Ofagbe Community, Ozoro, Ekrejeta, and the NUT Area, Abraka, following credible intelligence.
“The operation led to the arrest of 22 suspects, comprising 19 males and three females, for offences relating to the sale, possession, and distribution of illicit drugs.
“During the operation, operatives also rescued two minors who were found in a suspected drug den allegedly operated by their father.
“The children have been taken into protective custody. They will be handed over to the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs for appropriate care and safeguarding, while investigations into the activities of the suspects are ongoing,” the statement read.
The police said investigations have commenced to determine the level of involvement of each suspect in the alleged drug-related activities and to identify other members of the criminal network.
The rescued children, according to the command, are currently receiving protection pending their transfer to the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, where they will receive appropriate care and support.
Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, described the discovery of the two minors inside a suspected drug den as deeply troubling.
He noted that exposing children to such an environment poses serious risks to their safety, development and overall well-being.
The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating across the state while ensuring that vulnerable members of society receive adequate protection.
He also called on parents, guardians, community leaders and residents to continue working closely with the police by providing timely and credible information capable of assisting security agencies in combating criminal activities.
According to him, the command remains committed to sustaining intelligence-driven operations targeted at drug traffickers and other criminal elements across Delta State.
“The Command will sustain intelligence-led operations to rid Delta State of illicit drug activities and other forms of criminality,” Oyeniyi assured.
The latest operation comes less than two weeks after a similar exercise by the Yobe State Police Command.
On July 10, police operatives in Yobe arrested 14 suspected drug dealers during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts and drug joints in Jakusko Local Government Area.
The operation also led to the recovery of more than 300 sachets and packages of suspected illicit substances, including Tramadol, Vega tablets, Indian hemp and other prohibited drugs.
Authorities have continued to intensify enforcement operations nationwide as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking and reduce crimes linked to the abuse of illicit substances.
