The Delta State Police Command has announced a series of successful operations that led to the death of a suspected kidnapper, the arrest of several armed robbery and cult-related suspects, and the recovery of dangerous weapons and stolen property.
According to the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe, on December 1, 2025, at about 2:30 a.m., operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), working in collaboration with community volunteers, were on intensive patrol when they received credible intelligence that suspected kidnappers were mobilising within the Obiaruku forest to carry out an attack. Acting swiftly, the team advanced towards the location.
The suspects opened fire in an attempt to repel the operatives, but the police responded with superior firepower. One suspect was killed, while others escaped into the forest with injuries. Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle with forty-two rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms.
In another operation, the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, recorded a series of coordinated breakthroughs between November 28 and 29, 2025. Acting on intelligence, the team intercepted a key syndicate member, Kelvin Oke, 42, at the Ekuigbo axis and recovered a stolen tricycle.
Further operations led to the arrest of two additional suspects: Victor Oyaye, 26, identified as the gang leader, and Monday Emakpo, 31. Another stolen tricycle and a locally made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges were recovered. Sustaining the offensive, CP-SAT stormed the residence of Jeffery Saint, 28, in Ogharake, Oghara, on November 29.
A locally fabricated Beretta pistol and fifteen rounds of live ammunition were discovered concealed in the premises.
Similarly, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad, under SP Danyaya Inusa, apprehended another suspect during a routine stop-and-search operation on November 29, 2025. The incident occurred around the Northwest Filling Station by Mariam Babangida Junction along the Asaba–Benin Expressway.
The suspect, identified as Ezekiel Edeya, 28, attempted to flee but was quickly restrained. A red handbag he tried to discard was recovered, containing a locally fabricated pistol, three live cartridges, an iron plier, and a screwdriver.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the operatives for their gallantry and expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued trust in the police. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to crime fighting and urged residents to continue providing credible information to aid security efforts
