The Delta State Police Command has recorded breakthroughs in its ongoing onslaught against criminal elements, leading to the death of suspected kidnappers, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and the arrest of 12 suspected cultists in separate operations across the state.
According to Superintendent of Police Edafe Bright, the Police Public Relations Officer, the operations followed a series of reported kidnapping and armed robbery incidents around the Upper-Agbarho axis of Ughelli and its environs.
Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, launched an intelligence-led investigation that extended to Rivers and Imo States. The team arrested two suspected kidnappers — Abubakar Musa, 28, of Ajase Town in Irepodun LGA, Kwara State (residing in Port Harcourt), and Yusuf Sale, 25, of Rimin-Zayam in Toro LGA, Bauchi State (residing in Owerri) — on October 2 and October 4, 2025, respectively.
During interrogation, the suspects led operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North LGA, where an AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 43 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol were recovered.
However, while exiting the area, the operatives came under ambush by other members of the gang who attempted to rescue the arrested suspects. The police team engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, during which the suspects and their accomplices sustained fatal injuries. Two police operatives also sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment. The injured suspects were rushed to the hospital, where they died during treatment. A manhunt for the fleeing gang members is ongoing.
In a separate operation, the State Anti-Cult Unit, acting on credible intelligence about recent cult clashes in Jesse, stormed a suspected hideout along Sylvester Street, Jesse Town, Ethiope West LGA, on October 5, 2025. The raid led to the arrest of 20-year-old Mudiaga Obey and eleven others believed to be members of rival cult groups.
During the operation, the police recovered one Beretta pistol and a live round of ammunition. The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s commitment to flushing out criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents across Delta State.
