The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing clampdown on violent crime, kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related activities, with the neutralisation of a suspected kidnapper, multiple arrests and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and stolen property across several communities.
In a statement issued in Asaba, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the operations were carried out by specialised units of the Command between November 28 and December 1, 2025, under the strategic leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.
Kidnap Attempt Thwarted in Obiaruku Forest
According to the Command, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), supported by community volunteers, intercepted a group of suspected kidnappers believed to be preparing an attack within the Obiaruku forest in the early hours of December 1.
The suspects allegedly opened fire as the police team advanced toward their location, prompting a swift response from the operatives. One suspect was fatally hit during the exchange, while others escaped with injuries.
Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones and charms believed to be used for criminal activities.
Coordinated Raids Lead to Arrests of Robbery and Cult Gang Members
Further operations by the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, resulted in multiple arrests across Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele.
On November 28, operatives arrested 42-year-old Kelvin Oke in the Ekuigbo axis and recovered a stolen tricycle in his possession.
Subsequent raids led to the arrest of two other key members of the syndicate, 26-year-old gang leader Victor Oyaye of Otor-Ogor and 31-year-old Monday Emakpo of Okpara community.
A second stolen tricycle and a locally made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges were recovered.
The offensive extended into Oghara, where on November 29 at about 9:15 p.m., operatives stormed the residence of 28-year-old Jeffery Saint at Ogharake following intelligence reports.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and 15 rounds of live ammunition concealed for suspected criminal use.
More Arrests in Asaba During Stop-and-Search Operation
That same day, officers of the Eagle Net Special Squad arrested another suspect, Ezekiel Edeya, 28, during a stop-and-search operation near the Northwest Filling Station by Mariam Babangida Junction in Asaba.
Edeya reportedly attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. A search revealed a red bag containing a locally fabricated pistol, three live cartridges, an iron plier and a screwdriver, tools the police say are commonly used in break-ins and violent robberies.
CP Abaniwonda Commends Officers, Urges Continued Public Cooperation
Commenting on the successes, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda praised the professionalism and bravery of the operatives involved in the operations.
He also acknowledged the critical role of community members who have continued to share actionable intelligence with the police.
He assured residents that the Command remains committed to intelligence-led policing and sustained offensives against criminal networks across Delta State.
“These breakthroughs reinforce our message that Delta State will not be a safe haven for violent criminals,” he said, urging the public to continue partnering with the police to keep communities safe.
All suspects, according to the Command, remain in custody as investigations continue.
