Delta: 22 arrested, two minors rescued in raid on illegal drug dens

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Police said their operatives arrested 22 suspects, rescued two minors during an intelligence-led operation raid on identified illicit drug dens and criminal hideouts in communities Ozoro and Abraka towns of Delta State.

The spokesperson for Delta Police Command, SP Bright Edafe announced this in a statement on Thursday said the raid on the suspected criminal dens took place on 21st July 2026 at about 1500 hours.

He said the two children were rescued from their father who was found to be operating of the drug dens.

According to the statement, 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.

Edafe quoted Delta Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi as describing the use of minors in environments associated with illicit drug activities as deeply disturbing and reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling drug networks and protecting vulnerable persons.

The Delta Police Commissioner also urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with credible information, assuring that the command will sustain intelligence-led operations to rid Delta State of illicit drug activities and other forms of criminality.