In a major crackdown on criminal activities across Delta State, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team have recorded significant breakthroughs, including the death of four suspected kidnappers, recovery of an AK-47 rifle, and the arrest of multiple suspects linked to kidnapping, cultism, and armed robbery.
According to a press release issued by the Delta State Police Command, the law enforcement success began with the arrest of a suspect on March 9, 2025, who was caught attempting to procure AK-47 ammunition.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright said during interrogation, the suspect disclosed the location where the gang’s weapon was hidden.
Acting on the tip-off, officers stormed a bush along the railway line in Agbarho. Upon arrival, they encountered heavy gunfire from the gang, resulting in a fierce shootout.
Four of the suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the General Hospital, Ughelli, where they were later confirmed dead.
Police recovered one AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine at the scene. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members.
In a separate incident on March 12, 2025, a suspected kidnapper, Abdulahi Isah, was arrested in Ibusa following the report of a kidnapping incident involving a victim’s wife.
Acting swiftly on intelligence provided by the complainant, police, in collaboration with local vigilantes, apprehended the suspect in a bush hideout. Investigation is still underway.
Further operations led to the arrest of suspected cultists in Warri South and Sapele.
On March 13, operatives arrested Gideon Sunday (34) and Godstime Solomon (27), who were riding a tricycle in the Agbogidi area.
A search of the vehicle revealed a cut-to-size locally made gun loaded with two live cartridges concealed in the engine compartment.
Later that day, Junior Moses (30) was arrested in Warri with a similar weapon.
Their confessions led to the arrest of Great Odiete (28) in Sapele, where police recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol.
The suspects confessed to being members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity. All suspects and recovered weapons are currently in custody.
Commending the efforts of officers and the cooperation from the public, Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, expressed satisfaction with the proactive measures taken by the Command.
He emphasized that the crackdown is yielding results and gradually curbing criminal activities in the state.
