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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 one Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and one Ibori (surname unknown), both suspected members of a kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate, after trailing them to a notorious criminal hideout in the Jedo/Ugboton–Warri axis.
The arrest, which took place on 20 January 2026 at about 0430 hours, followed credible intelligence and a coordinated follow-up operation in connection with reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery across Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Orerokpe and surrounding communities.
Confirming this in a statement on Thursday, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the principal suspect, Oke Jerry Ekokodjie, and Ibori, along 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 and incriminating exhibits: 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 22 January 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.
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Edafe disclosed that during the operation, five suspects were arrested, namely: Frank Etiyemonu (36), Chinedu Emeka (25), Festus Nwadiche (26), Azuju Onowu (29) and Ozor Blessing (29).
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, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commended the operatives for their professionalism and effective use of actionable intelligence. He reaffirmed the command’s unwavering resolve to rid Delta 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.
