The Delta State Police Command achieved a series of notable successes in its anti-crime efforts throughout July, resulting in the apprehension of 211 individuals, the retrieval of ₦8.5 million in ransom funds, the seizure of 18 firearms, and over 350 rounds of ammunition.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, during a press briefing in Asaba on Tuesday, attributed these impressive outcomes to the command’s proactive, intelligence-led, and community-focused policing strategies, which are effectively making Delta State an increasingly challenging environment for criminal elements.
Among the month’s key achievements was a successful collaborative operation involving the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad and personnel from the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade, culminating in the rescue of two kidnapped female polytechnic students. “The operation, conducted in Ogwashi-Ukwu forest on July 30, led to the demise of two suspected kidnappers during an exchange of gunfire. Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle, thirty-nine rounds of live ammunition, and a bag containing ₦3.5 million, believed to be ransom collected from one of the victims.”
“Another operation, initiated based on reliable intelligence, resulted in the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, Chiadiji Collins, also known as “Smooth,” along the Ibusa road. A subsequent search of his residence in Ewulu community yielded an AK-47 rifle and forty rounds of live ammunition. His accomplice, Ezechie Andrew, was also apprehended, found with two pump-action guns and cartridges. Both suspects are thought to be involved in numerous kidnappings in Ogwashi-Uku and surrounding areas.”
“In a separate targeted operation aimed at dismantling a notorious kidnapping syndicate that preyed on high-profile individuals in Sapele and Oghara, police operatives arrested several gang members, including its alleged leader, Owei Abebo, alias “Adusa.” A herbalist associated with the gang, suspected of providing members with protective charms, was also taken into custody. A total of 247 rounds of SMG ammunition were recovered, along with fetish items and three live tortoises.”
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In what CP Olufemi characterized as one of the most substantial single crackdowns on cybercrime in the state, operatives, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, raided a suspected internet fraud hub at Post Housing Estate, Effurun. This operation led to the arrest of 184 suspects and the recovery of 273 laptops, 97 smartphones, an iPad, and two Wi-Fi routers
“The command also uncovered a troubling instance involving a staged kidnapping. A young woman, Merit Eneh, was arrested along with her accomplices after admitting to faking her own abduction to extort a ₦3 million ransom from her brother. She confessed to using a previous loan of ₦3.6 million for her wedding expenses and orchestrated the false kidnapping to recoup the funds. She distributed ₦500,000 to her collaborators and retained the remainder.”
“Other notable operations during the month included the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, Sanusi Abdulahi, in Ogwashi-Uku, found with ₦5 million in ransom money. This arrest led to the capture of four additional members of his gang, all believed to be responsible for a series of recent kidnappings in the area.”
“On July 9, along the Patani-Ughelli Expressway, a targeted operation by the CP-Special Assignment Team resulted in a violent exchange of gunfire with a notorious kidnapping gang. Six suspects, including gang members identified as Solomon Danisco (also known as “Picolo”) and Whisky Rufus (also known as “Asawana”), sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the confrontation and were pronounced dead. Four cut-to-size locally made guns and nineteen cartridges were recovered from the scene.”
“Several suspected cultists were also apprehended across different parts of the state. In Jesse town, a patrol team arrested a 20-year-old man, Tega Ibrahim, found with a locally made pistol. Investigations revealed he is the second-in-command of the Eiye confraternity.”
“In another operation, operatives in Abraka arrested three suspects in possession of a fabricated Beretta pistol, live ammunition, a cap bearing the Eiye insignia, and a battle axe.”
Acting on intelligence regarding a planned attack at Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, police intercepted two suspects carrying six cut-to-size guns concealed in handbags. They later admitted to being members of the Black Axe confraternity.
“The command also maintained its crackdown on illicit drug dealers. A female suspect, Maureen Odiri, was arrested in Jesse while transporting various quantities of tramadol, codeine, and swinol. In another targeted operation in Afisere, Ughelli North, three female suspects were arrested with large quantities of similar illicit substances, including cannabis.”
Summarizing the results of the July operations, CP Olufemi reported that a total of 18 firearms and 359 rounds of ammunition were recovered, along with ₦8.5 million in ransom money and over 370 electronic devices linked to cybercrime.
He commended the dedication of the officers and urged the public to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities to the police via the dedicated control room lines: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.
CP Olufemi reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in Delta State and vowed that criminals would continue to face the full force of the law.
About the Author
This is a big win for security in Delta State. The arrest of over 200 suspects and recovery of ransom money and firearms shows that the police are stepping up. Hopefully, this momentum continues and brings lasting peace to our communities.
We Deltans, commend and appreciate the Delta State Police Command under the leadership of Commissioner Abaniwonda S. Olufemi for their relentless effort. Delta State is not a haven for criminals. Let’s applaud the Delta State Police Command for their tireless efforts to keep the state safe. Their work is a testament to the power of effective law enforcement and community policing.
“This is a commendable achievement by the Delta State Police Command. The arrest of 211 suspects, recovery of ₦8.5 million in ransom, and seizure of 18 firearms reflect a strong and proactive effort in the fight against crime and insecurity in the region. While this is a positive step, it also highlights the scale of criminal activity that still exists. Continued support for law enforcement, community cooperation, and justice system reforms are essential to sustaining these gains and ensuring long-term safety and peace for residents.”