The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant successes in its ongoing crackdown on violent crime, with the arrest of suspected kidnappers and cultists in separate operations carried out by specialized police teams.
The operations led to the recovery of deadly weapons including an AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, a Beretta pistol, live ammunition, and cult regalia.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 31, 2025, by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, the Command disclosed that operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a notorious suspected kidnapper, Chiadiji Collins, alias “Smooth”, aged 42, who has been on the police watchlist for his alleged involvement in a series of kidnappings across Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, and Asaba.
The arrest occurred around 1:20 a.m. on July 27, following a coordinated raid on a criminal hideout along Ibusa Road by CP-SAT, the X-Squad, and the Buffalo Patrol Team.
Upon interrogation, Collins led investigators to his residence in Ewulu, Aniocha South LGA, where a search yielded an AK-47 rifle and 40 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Ezechie Andrew, in whose possession two pump-action guns and two live cartridges were recovered.
Both suspects are believed to be members of a wider kidnapping syndicate operating in Ogwashi-Uku, Isseluku, and surrounding areas. They remain in custody as investigations continue.
In a separate incident, operatives of the Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrested three suspected cultists in Abraka on July 30 at about 6:30am.
Acting on actionable intelligence, the officers stormed a suspected cultist hideout at Big Gate, Campus III, and arrested Benjamin Okwufulueze (21), Augustine Ifeanyi (22), and Iruma Japheth (27).
A fabricated Beretta pistol, four live rounds of ammunition, a black cap with Eiye Confraternity insignia, and a battle axe were recovered.
The suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the Eiye cult group and are currently undergoing further interrogation.
Reacting to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the operatives for their swift and effective response.
He urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and discourage their children from engaging in cultism and criminal activities.
He also called on residents to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
The recent operations highlight both the evolving security threats in the state and the need for sustained intelligence-driven policing.
As investigations continue, the public is watching closely to see if the police will successfully dismantle the broader criminal networks connected to these suspects.
