From Ben Dunno, Warri
In a significant victory against crime, the Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has arrested three suspected kidnappers and cult leaders. The operation also resulted in the recovery of an AK47 and other sophisticated weapons from their hideouts.
The arrests were made possible by a special team deployed by CP Abaniwonda to the Ughelli area over two months ago. This team was tasked with complementing the efforts of Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and their men in curbing the excesses of kidnappers and cult groups following concerns raised by residents about the upsurge in criminal activities.
In a statement released to the press, the Delta Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, attributed the success to credible intelligence gathering across various Local Government Areas in the state.
The statement detailed the operation:
- On May 9, 2024, at around 4:30 AM, the special team led by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on intelligence, raided Oghara town and arrested a 28-year-old suspect, a member of the Eiye confraternity.
- The suspect led the operatives to a hotel in Koko Junction Oghara, where another 46-year-old suspect, also a member of the Eiye confraternity, was arrested. An automatic pump-action gun was recovered from him.
- Further interrogation of the two suspects led to the arrest of another 32-year-old suspect in Sapele, Delta State. A new AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine was recovered from this location.
- Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are linked to a series of kidnappings in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and the surrounding areas. They are currently in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
In a separate incident on the same day at around 10:05 PM, based on credible intelligence, operatives in Ughelli raided Oleh town in Isoko North LGA of Delta State. A notorious cultist and gun runner named Okobe Ability ‘m’ dropped a black polythene bag and escaped upon sighting the police. The bag contained a Baretta pistol and five live ammunition. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect are ongoing.
Earlier on May 8, 2024, at around 4:30 PM, Dragon Tactical Patrol Teams conducting a stop and search along Ogwashi-Uku/Kwale Road intercepted a red commercial Toyota Sienna space van conveying passengers from Asaba to Warri.
During the search, Favour Eze, a 24-year-old male native of Amasiri Village in Afikpo L.G.A, Ebonyi State, was found in possession of a locally made pistol, hard drugs suspected to be Loud, and human hair, all concealed in a bag of clothes. Eze was arrested alongside the exhibits, and the investigation is ongoing.
CP Abaniwonda commended the officers and men of the command for their continuous resolve in the fight against crime and criminality. He also warned that in the discharge of their duty, they must respect the rights of citizens and ensure that they discharge their duties in accordance with the law.
CP Abaniwonda reiterated that proactive policing is key in the fight against crime and criminality. He urged members of the public to exercise patience when interfacing with the police, especially during stop and search.