…two suspected kidnappers arrested, arms recovered
…foiled kidnap plot, five suspects arrested, 247 rounds of ammunition seized
…184 Internet Fraud Suspects Arrested in Effurun Raid
In a series of intelligence-led operations across Delta State, operatives of the Delta State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, have made significant breakthroughs in the fight against kidnapping, cybercrime, and cult-related activities.
Police spokesman, Bright Edafe, said that on the 30th of July, 2025, around 11:00 p.m., operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad, in conjunction with the Nigerian Army (63 Brigade), stormed a kidnappers’ hideout in the Ogwashi-Uku forest.
The operation followed the abduction of two female polytechnic students on July 23 in Asagba Ogwashi.
A gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of two suspected kidnappers. Recovered at the scene were one AK-47 rifle, 39 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦3.5 million, believed to be ransom collected from a previous victim.
Similarly, on July 27, 2025, at about 1:20 a.m., officers from the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), supported by the X-Squad and Buffalo Patrol Team, raided a criminal hideout along Ibusa Road. One suspect, 42-year-old Chiadiji Collins a.k.a. “Smooth,” was arrested.
He later led operatives to his home in Ewulu, Aniocha South LGA, where an AK-47 rifle and 40 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.
A second suspect, Ezechie Andrew, was also arrested and found with two pump-action guns and two cartridges. The duo is believed to be behind a series of kidnappings in Ogwashi-Uku, Isseluku, and surrounding areas.
Edafe further said: “Following intelligence reports on a planned abduction targeting high-profile individuals in Sapele and Oghara, police launched a covert operation on July 19, 2025. Suspected gang herbalist, Peter Benson, was first arrested in Kwale.
“He led officers to another suspect, Joseph Saniyo, 63, found with fetish items believed to be for criminal fortification. Further investigations led to the arrest of the gang leader, Owei Abebo a.k.a. “Adusa” (42), along with Ebi Maye (41) and Happy Obegha (39) in Oghara. Recovered from the suspects were 247 rounds of live submachine gun (SMG) ammunition.”
Edafe also disclosed that on 21st of July, 2025, at about 5:45 p.m., operatives of the command, with Army support, raided a cybercrime hub in Post Housing Estate, Effurun.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 184 suspects, including ringleader Kelvin Odini (33). Recovered items include 273 laptops, 97 smartphones, an iPad, a table phone, nine laptop chargers, and two Wi-Fi routers. Investigations are ongoing.
At approximately 6:30 a.m. on July 30, 2025, officers from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) raided a criminal hideout at Big Gate Campus 3, Abraka. Three suspects — Benjamin Okwufulueze (21), Augustine Ifeanyi (22), and Iruma Japheth (27) — were arrested. A fabricated Beretta pistol with four live rounds, a cap with “Eiye” inscription, and a battle axe were recovered.
Edafe stated: “Police have arrested a woman, Merit Eneh (27), and two male accomplices, Alfred Elisha and Ugochukwu Adim, over a staged kidnapping incident reported on July 21, 2025, in Bonsaac, Asaba. Investigations revealed that Eneh faked her abduction to extort ₦3 million from her brother to repay a loan she had used to fund her wedding and bridal shower in March 2025.
“She confessed to giving ₦500,000 to her accomplices and keeping ₦2.5 million for herself. All three suspects are in custody.”
The Delta State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the ongoing crackdown on criminal elements in the state and urges residents to continue providing credible information.
