The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its intensified campaign against violent crime, resulting in the death of a suspected kidnapper, the recovery of multiple firearms, and the arrest of several armed robbery and cult suspects across the state.
In a pre-dawn operation on December 1, 2025, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), working with community volunteers, stormed the Obiaruku forest following intelligence that a kidnapping gang was mobilising for an attack. The suspects opened fire on the advancing team, prompting a fierce gun battle. One suspect was fatally shot, while others fled into the forest with injuries. Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle, forty-two rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms believed to be used for criminal fortification.
Between November 28 and 29, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, dismantled a criminal network operating across Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele. Three suspects were arrested during the coordinated operations: Kelvin Oke, 42, who was intercepted with a stolen tricycle; Victor Oyaye, 26, identified as the gang leader; and Monday Emakpo, 31, linked to tricycle theft and cult activity. The team also recovered two stolen tricycles, a locally made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges, a locally fabricated Beretta pistol, and fifteen rounds of ammunition. A follow-up raid in Oghara led to the arrest of Jeffery Saint, 28, from whose residence operatives recovered a concealed locally fabricated pistol and additional ammunition reportedly prepared for imminent criminal deployment.
In a separate incident on November 29, the Eagle Net Special Squad arrested Ezekiel Edeya, 28, after he attempted to flee during a routine stop-and-search along the Asaba–Benin Expressway. A bag he discarded contained a locally fabricated pistol, three live cartridges, a plier, and a screwdriver believed to be tools for break-ins.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the operatives for their professionalism and resilience, noting that the series of breakthroughs underscores the Command’s renewed offensive against criminal networks. He also appreciated community members for providing timely intelligence and urged them to continue supporting ongoing security operations. All suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
NIM
