The Delta State Police Command has announced significant breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on violent crime, following coordinated operations in Ughelli and Agbarho that led to the arrest of a suspected armed robber, the recovery of several firearms, and the neutralisation of a notorious criminal syndicate wanted for armed robbery, murder, rape, and other violent offences.
The operations, carried out under the strategic leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, reflect the Command’s strengthened resolve to combat criminal activities across the state.
Notorious Criminal Syndicate Dismantled in Ughelli
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) on November 19, 2025, raided a criminal hideout on the outskirts of Panama Layout, Ughelli.
The location had been identified as the operational base of a violent gang linked to multiple crimes within Ughelli North Local Government Area.
Four suspects were arrested during the operation:
Peter Ejenekevwe (31), a.k.a. Calamity, alleged gang leader
Clever David (35)
Chukwuemeka Gospel Onuchukwu (29)
Onome Collins (32)
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to a series of violent crimes, including the robbery and fatal stabbing of Anthony Igoroko Omowho at Ekredjebor on November 11, 2025.
They admitted to trailing the victim to Saint Nicholas Hospital, where they robbed health workers before attacking him.
The suspects also confessed to robbing a POS operator the same day, injuring her husband and assaulting her 18-year-old sister-in-law.
Further investigation led officers into a nearby forest, where they recovered:
Two locally made long guns
Three locally made short guns
Twenty-three live cartridges
Two keys to a Lexus 350 Jeep, which later enabled the recovery of the victim’s vehicle (Reg. No. KUJ 788 DR)
While withdrawing from the scene, the operatives were ambushed by fleeing gang members.
The officers repelled the attack, but the four arrested suspects sustained gunshot wounds from bullets fired by their associates and were confirmed dead at the General Hospital, Ughelli.
One police officer was injured and is currently receiving treatment.
The investigation into the syndicate’s activities remains ongoing.
Suspected Armed Robber Arrested in Agbarho
In a separate operation, the Divisional Police Officer of Agbarho Division, CSP Pius Eredei, led a swift response to a reported armed home invasion on November 18, 2025.
Five armed men were said to have forcefully entered a residence in Uvwiama New Layout at about 3:00 a.m., damaging property and firing shots after sighting the occupant attempting to defend himself.
Following coordinated efforts with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), police operatives arrested 19-year-old Victor Peculiar, identified as a key suspect in the attack.
A locally fabricated double-barrelled short gun was recovered during follow-up investigations. The suspect is in custody and has reportedly provided useful information as investigations continue.
CP Abaniwonda Commends Officers, Urges Public Cooperation
Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, described the successful operations as a testament to the Command’s enhanced operational capacity and unwavering commitment to tackling violent crime.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and assured the public that all credible information shared with the Police would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
