From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Operatives of CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command have apprehended one Abubakar Hassan, a 30-year-old suspected notorious kingpin from Niger State residing in the Woji area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the team, on May 20, was said to have tracked Hassan to a forest along the Ozoro axis, believed to be a stronghold for a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate operating across Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States.
Hassan reportedly led police operatives to the hideout, where they recovered two AK-47 rifles, 32 rounds of live ammunition, and four magazines for the rifles.
The arrest forms part of an ongoing crackdown on the criminal group, which has been terrorising the states.
State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed this, said, “On 20/5/2025 at about 1735 hrs, operatives of CP – Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) effected the arrest of one Abubakar Hassan ‘m’ 30yrs of Niger State but resident at Woji area Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Upon interrogation, the suspect who heads the syndicate operating along the Ughelli-Ozoro axis led the team to a forest along the Ozoro axis where two (2) AK47 rifles, thirty-two (32) rounds of live ammunition and four (4) AK47 rifle magazines were recovered. The trail of other gang members has been intensified for possible arrest and recovery of more arms.”
In a separate operation, on the same day at around 4:30 pm, officers attached to the Safer Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle along Ughelli Road during routine stop-and-search activities.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a locally fabricated revolver pump-action single-barrel rifle, 15 rounds of live cartridges, and a can of chemical spray teargas. The suspect, Obi Ezeikiel, 38 years old from Kogi State, was promptly arrested. Investigations are ongoing into this case.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, expressed confidence in the police force’s professionalism and vigilance. He emphasised that these operations demonstrate the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring public safety and tackling criminal elements head-on.
CP Olufemi assured residents that their safety remains a top priority and urged the public to cooperate by providing credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
He also issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating within the state, affirming that the police are actively monitoring and tracking all threats. The Commissioner stated, “There will be no hiding place for those involved in criminal activities within Delta State.”