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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCCS), of the Delta State Police Command, have arrested Ekokodjie and Ibori for alleged kidnapping and armed robbery.
They were nabbed by operatives who trailed them to their notorious criminal hideout in Jedo/Ugboton, Warri.
Their arrest on January 20, 2026, at about 4: 30 am followed credible intelligence,and coordinated follow-up operation in connection with reported cases of kidnappings and armed robberies across Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Ororokpe and surrounding communities.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO)SP Bright Edafe, said that the principal suspect, Ekokodjie and Ibori in company with three others, were successfully arrested, while some members of the gang,fled through adjoining creeks and waterways after the police team stormed the location.
He said that a thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of dangerous weapons :one locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with three rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one Mercedes-Benz GLK (black in colour), one battle axe, illicit substances in commercial quantity, and one Point-of-Sale (POS) machine.
“The arrested suspects have been cautioned and are currently in police custody undergoing further investigation, while sustained efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.”
In a related development, on January 22,2026, a team of police operatives from Obiaruku Division, also carried out a targeted raid on a suspected cultists’ hideout at Amai Community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
Edafe disclosed that during the operation, five suspects were arrested : Frank Etiyemonu, Chinedu Emeka,Festus Nwadiche, Azuju Onowu and Ozor Blessing .
He said that a search conducted at the hideout led to the recovery of incriminating items, including one locally made pistol, two battle axes, quantities of Indian hemp and other suspected hard drugs, as well as other dangerous weapons. The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing.
In his remarks, Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, commended the operatives for their professionalism and effective use of actionable intelligence. He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering resolve to rid the state of criminal elements through sustained proactive and intelligence-led policing.
The CP urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information, assuring strict confidentiality.
