The Delta State Police Command says it has recorded significant successes in recent anti-kidnapping and anti-cult operations across parts of the state, leading to the arrest of suspected criminals and the recovery of arms, ammunition and other incriminating items.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the breakthroughs followed intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of the command.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026, Edafe said operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCCS) on January 20 arrested members of a suspected kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate operating in Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Ororokpe and surrounding communities.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives carried out a coordinated follow-up operation along the Jedo/Ugboton–Warri axis, where a suspect was discreetly trailed to a notorious criminal hideout,” Edafe said.
He explained that the hideout was allegedly operated by one Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and another suspect identified simply as Ibori.
“Upon storming the location, the principal suspects, Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and Ibori, along with three others, were successfully arrested, while some members of the gang fled through adjoining creeks and waterways,” the police spokesman stated.
Edafe added that a search of the premises led to the recovery of “one locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with three rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one black Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle, one battle axe, illicit substances in commercial quantity, and one Point-of-Sale (POS) machine.”
He said the arrested suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate.
In a separate operation, the police also arrested five suspected cultists during a raid on a hideout in Amai Community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, in the early hours of January 22.
Edafe said operatives from the Obiaruku Division carried out the targeted raid at about 2:56 a.m., leading to the arrest of Frank Etiyemonu (36), Chinedu Emeka (25), Festus Nwadiche (26), Azuju Onowu (29) and Ozor Blessing (29).
“Items recovered from the hideout include one locally made pistol, two battle axes, quantities of Indian hemp and other suspected hard drugs, as well as other dangerous weapons,” he said, adding that the suspects are also in custody while investigations continue.
Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and effective use of actionable intelligence.
“The Command remains resolute in its determination to rid Delta State of criminal elements through sustained, proactive and intelligence-led policing,” Adesola said.
He urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information, assuring the public that all information would be treated with strict confidentiality.
