A special team of Police officers deployed by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, to Ughelli, the administrative headquarter of Ughelli north local government area, headed by ASP Julius Robinson, has arrested 52 suspects in various crimes, ranging from kidnapping, Robbery, cultism, fraudsters and gunrunners.
The CP dispatched this special team with a clear mandate to partner with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in these areas and ensure that people sleep with their two eyes closed.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright who briefed journalists in Ughelli on Wednesday 9, October 2024, said the police also recovered dangerous weapons and rescued three victims.
The image maker disclosed that seven AK-47, one AK49, one G3, six Pump action guns, nine LMHs, 16 Batteta pistols, 35 cartridges, 53 ammunitions and seven cutlasses were recovered.
According to the PPRO, “Acting on intelligence gathered on the activities of a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing Sapele-Warri road and its environs on 12th September 2024, operatives of CP – Special Assignment Team in a sting operation at various points of Sapele town effected the arrest of four (4) suspects viz Bakpor Isaiah, 34yrs, victor, 31yrs, Ogheneochukwu Emmanuel, 47yrs and Godspower Clifford,19yrs all members of vikings confraternity”.
SP Bright said”preliminary investigation revealed that suspects are responsible to series of kidnappings/armed robbery along the Warri Sapele Road.
“One AK-47 Rifle and a Toyota Seinna with Reg no. BDG-645-JN which is their operation vehicle”, as investigation is ongoing.
Similarly, on 18/9/2024, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment team acting on intelligence identified a hideout of suspected kidnappers in Ogor forest.
“On getting to the hideout, the hoodlums engaged them in a fierce gun duel during which two of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries while the other escaped.
“The suspects were taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. One Pump action gun, one locally made cut-to-size gun, and nine rounds of live cartridges were recovered”, assuring that manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing.
In another development, sequel to a case of suspected fraudster Timothy Ochuko, 42yrs who was arrested and handed over CP Special assignment team on 5/10/2024, “operatives of CP SAT led by the command ASP Robinson embarked on an intelligence-led investigation which revealed the suspect is also into kidnapping.
“Consequently, on 7/10/2024, acting on the suspect statement, the sum of N500,000 was recovered from the suspects account which is part of his share of N1,100, 000 from the N4, 000, 000 collected as ransom from a victim whose named was withheld whom they kidnapped on 25/9/2024 in Ughelli town and forcefully withdraw the aforesaid amount from her fcmb bank account before releasing her.
“He led the operatives to the house of his gang member where the suspects on sighting the police took to heels, and one berretta pistol was recovered”, stressing that investigation is ongoing.
In same vain, “an intensive follow up on the cases of kidnapping and armed robbery reported along Warri/ Sapele axis, on 17th September 2024 at about 1400hours Operatives of CP-SAT acting on intelligence stormed Ogorode in Sapele town and arrested on Oghenetega ‘m’ aged 33yrs who is also a member of Viking confraternity.
“Upon search of his residence, one AK-47 rifle, one G-3 Rifle and a fabricated long gun using a Beretta pistol magazine were recovered”, revealing that suspect is in custody while investigation is ongoing.
Also, acting on a reported case of the murder of the Youth Vice chairman of Mosogar town, the murder of a policeman along Warri Sapele road, intelligence revealed that the suspect who carried out the dastardly act has been in the command watch list for over three years.
“operatives of CP SAT led by the command ASP Julius Robinson trailed and stormed the residence of the suspect Ojoko Ijoyoto A.K.A Pikolo, aged 29yrs of morsogar in Ethiope west LGA and upon search of his residence,
“One AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of life ammunition was recovered”, while investigation is ongoing.
He equally said: “On 5th October 2024, operatives of CP-SAT arrested a suspect Tunde Akingbenomo, aged 32yrs at his residence located in Ogharaefe Ethiope east LGA.
“During search of his residence, one locally made gun was recovered. Suspect then led the operatives to an uncompleted building where two fabricated automatic Beretta pistol”, saying that investigation is ongoing.
