Asaba, Delta State – November 25, 2025
In a major crackdown on violent crime, the Delta State Police Command has successfully arrested a gang of armed robbers and kidnappers, as well as confessed cultists, recovering multiple firearms, ammunition, stolen electronics, and a vehicle reportedly used in criminal operations.
This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said on November 23, at around 6:30 a.m., the Eagle Net Special Squad, led by SP Danyaya Inusa, responded to a robbery distress call along the Asaba–Benin Expressway near Dustbin/Mango Tree. He said the gang opened fire on the police team, but officers responded with precision, forcing the suspects to flee, adding that the chase ended with the arrest of Oghenemaro Martins (25), Tare Miracle Ogbada (22), and Okorie James Kalu (19).
According to the statement, a black bag abandoned by the fleeing suspects contained an English-made Beretta pistol, a locally made pistol, four live 9mm Beretta rounds, laptops, smartphones, a PS5 console, and jewellery—items linked to multiple armed robberies along the Okpanam–Asaba axis.
It added that in a separate intelligence-led raid on November 24, ASP Julius Robinson’s CP-Special Assignment Team arrested cultists in Sapele and Oghara. Miracle Umukoro (52), Mudiaga Ukavwe (31), and Solomon Oghoro, aka Spartan (30), members of the Aye Confraternity, were apprehended with a pump-action gun, six live cartridges, a cutlass, and a Toyota Sienna used for cult operations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, praised the operatives for their courage and tactical precision, reiterating the command’s zero tolerance for armed robbery, kidnapping, and cult-related violence. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.
It said the suspects remained in custody as investigations continue into their criminal networks.
NIM
