In a major breakthrough in the fight against violent crime, operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested multiple suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, and “one chance” robbery operations across several communities in the state.
The coordinated raids, led by the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), resulted in the recovery of firearms, a tricycle used for criminal operations, and sixteen suspected stolen mobile phones.
This was disclosed on Monday June 30, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright in a release in Asaba, the State Capital.
The security operations, carried out between June 28 and 29, followed a directive from the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordering a comprehensive crackdown on criminal syndicates terrorizing the region.
Kidnap Syndicate Busted, POS Machine Used for Ransom Recovered
The CP-SAT operatives, acting on intelligence linked to a kidnapping case initially reported at the Isiokolo Police Station, arrested one Augustine Ojanuware, who confessed to being a member of a kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate responsible for several attacks in Ughelli, Warri, Agbarho, and Sapele.
Acting on his confession, the team conducted follow-up operations in Osubi and Ughelli, arresting two additional suspects: Precious Urhobowin (27), of Ewu Community, and Julius Okpako (32), of Oviri-Ogor.
Okpako was identified as the owner of a POS machine allegedly used to collect ransom payments from victims.
A locally fabricated gun and eight rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the arrests. Police investigations revealed that the syndicate was behind the June 19 kidnapping of a female pharmacist in Ughelli.
The victim was held for five days and released after an undisclosed ransom was paid. Her Lexus SUV was later abandoned along the Isiokolo axis.
The gang was also linked to an attempted kidnap and car robbery involving a Toyota Corolla in Iyede community on April 28.
“One Chance” Robbery Ring Cracked in Agbarho and Ughelli
In a separate operation targeting “one chance” criminals, robbers who deceive victims into boarding commercial tricycles, the police arrested Lucky Oghenerobor (37), the alleged leader of the gang and owner of the operational tricycle.
He hails from Olomoro community in Isoko South but resides in Agbarho.
Two other suspects were also apprehended: Olamide Fagbaibe (24), from Akure, Ondo State, and Umeh Akpan (37), from Eket, Akwa Ibom State. Both are residents of Ughelli town.
The trio reportedly confessed to robbing unsuspecting passengers across Ughelli, Warri, and Sapele. The police recovered sixteen sophisticated mobile phones believed to be stolen from their victims.
Police Commissioner Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Crime
Reacting to the arrests, CP Abaniwonda commended the efforts of the special task force and reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to flushing out criminal elements from Delta communities.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue partnering with the police by providing timely and credible information.
“This is a war we must win. These breakthroughs show that we are making progress, but public cooperation remains vital,” the CP said.
The Police Command also released emergency control room numbers for residents to report suspicious activities:
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue. Authorities say further arrests are imminent.
