The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major security breakthrough after a series of coordinated operations led to the neutralisation of a suspected kidnapper, the arrest of several armed robbery and cult suspects, and the recovery of multiple weapons across the state. The operations, conducted by specialised tactical units, underscore the Command’s intensified campaign against violent crime.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the first encounter occurred in the early hours of December 1, 2025. Operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), acting on credible intelligence, advanced into the Obiaruku forest where a kidnap gang was reportedly mobilising for an attack. As the operatives approached, the suspects opened fire from various directions.
The officers responded with superior firepower, resulting in the death of one suspect, while others escaped into the forest with injuries. A swift search of the scene led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, forty-two live rounds of ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms believed to be used by the gang.
In a separate operation, the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, intensified its offensive against criminal networks operating in Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele. On November 28, operatives intercepted a 42-year-old suspect, Kelvin Oke, along the Ekuigbo axis and recovered a stolen tricycle in his possession.
Follow-up raids conducted by the same team led to the arrest of two more suspects: 26-year-old Victor Oyaye of Otor-Ogor community, identified as the gang leader, and 31-year-old Monday Emakpo of Okpara community. A second stolen tricycle and a locally made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges were retrieved during the arrests.
The CP-SAT team sustained momentum into November 29, storming the residence of 28-year-old Jeffery Saint in Ogharake, Oghara. The suspect attempted to flee but was captured after a brief chase. A search of his premises uncovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and fifteen rounds of live ammunition hidden in preparation for possible use.
In another development, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad achieved success during a routine stop-and-search along the Asaba–Benin Expressway. A suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Ezekiel Edeya of Isoko North LGA, attempted to evade officers but was quickly apprehended.
A red handbag he discarded during the chase was recovered, containing a locally fabricated pistol, three live cartridges, an iron plier and a screwdriver—items linked to robbery operations. The suspect was detained as investigations commenced.
SP Edafe confirmed that all arrested suspects are in custody and undergoing interrogation as police continue tracking their accomplices and expanding the investigation into connected crimes across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, hailed the operatives for their resilience and professionalism during the operations. He also thanked community members for consistently providing credible intelligence that has strengthened policing efforts.
The CP assured residents that the Command will not relent in its crackdown on criminals and urged the public to remain vigilant while continuing to support law enforcement agencies in safeguarding Delta State.
