The Delta State Police Command has announced a series of significant arrests throughout August 2025, dismantling a major armed robbery syndicate, apprehending an ex-convict just five days after his release, and seizing a substantial cache of illegal firearms and stolen property across the state.
The operations, conducted by various tactical units, underscore the command’s intensified efforts to combat violent crime.
In one of the most significant busts, a five-man armed robbery gang led by the notorious Samson Ugbe, also known as ‘Big Man’, was apprehended on August 26.
The gang, which had been on the command’s wanted list, was linked to a string of high-profile crimes, including a robbery at Niger Delta University in 2024 and the theft of over 180 bags of rice from the Oroye warehouse.
The breakthrough came after a robbery in Agbarho, where a victim was dispossessed of electronics and other valuables.
An intelligence-led investigation led operatives to Faith Perry, who was found with one of the stolen phones. Her confession implicated her boyfriend, Kelly Otobure, from whom a 65-inch television, a PlayStation 4, and other stolen items were recovered.
Further interrogation led to the arrest of the gang leader, Ugbe, and his members: Emmanuel Edam, Frank Aminu, Sampson Irorowo, and Yahaya Bashir. Two suspected stolen vehicles were also recovered.
In another notable case, an ex-convict was arrested for motorcycle theft just five days after completing a two-year jail term for the same offence.
On August 11, the Eagle-Net Special Squad, in a coordinated effort with the Nigeria Hunters Security Services (NFSS), arrested 27-year-old Precious Okoro. Okoro had been released from the Ogwashi-uku correctional facility on August 6 before allegedly stealing another motorcycle.
The month also saw numerous successful operations targeting illegal firearms. These include:
August 16: Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrested 39-year-old Bassey Udoh during a stop and search on DBS Road, Asaba.
He was found with an English Beretta pistol, which he confessed to buying for ₦30,000 as part of a house-breaking syndicate.
August 21: Acting on a tip-off, the CP-Decoy Squad raided a criminal hideout in Ubulu-Okiti, arresting Igwe Ameachi, Chibuzor Ojiogwu, and Ekene Ibigweh. One pump-action gun, two double-barreled guns, and cartridges were seized.
August 18: Following a petition for a threat to life, police arrested Uche Iyameh in Onicha-Ugbo, recovering a single-barreled gun. His confession led operatives to his alleged supplier, Oyeisi Okafor, where one pump-action gun and two additional single-barreled guns were recovered.
August 30: An Eagle-Net patrol team discovered seventy-five rounds of live cartridges hidden under the driver’s seat of a Toyota Sienna driven by 58-year-old Albert Opene along the Asaba-Ibusa road.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that all suspects are in custody and that investigations are ongoing to uncover further details and potential accomplices.
The series of arrests highlights the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in Delta State.
