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By Christopher Oji
The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspects, neutralised two suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and recovered seven firearms, 10 live cartridges, two stolen motorcycles and suspected illicit drugs in separate operations across the state.
The operations, which targeted cultism, armed robbery and kidnapping, were carried out in Umunede and Ughelli. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, who gave details of the operations, said the successes followed intelligence-led raids and collaboration with local security groups.
According to him, on October 30, 2026, at about 1.15am, a resident of Umunede reported at the Umunede Police Division that one Chibuike Ezeji, 30, had allegedly threatened to kill him while brandishing a pistol.
Edafe said: “Acting on the complaint, operatives of the division, in collaboration with members of the Umunede Civilian Anti-Cult Group, proceeded to a residence along Umunede Expressway belonging to one Oscar Ignatius, a suspected cultist, where the alleged offender was reportedly residing.
“The operation led to the arrest of Chibuike Ezeji and one Ikenna Emeka, 22. A search of the premises led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one locally made cut-to-size gun, three locally made pistols, eight live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis and methamphetamine (ice).
“The suspects are in custody, while investigations are ongoing.”
In another operation on October 28, operatives of the Commissioner’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on complaints of motorcycle snatching by armed men along Stadium Road, Saniko and adjoining areas of Ughelli, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Ighrovie, Ughelli.
The operation led to the arrest of Peter Emobaye, 22, and James Emmanuel, 29, with the recovery of a stolen Qlink motorcycle.
Edafe said preliminary interrogation led the suspects to the residence of their alleged gang leader, identified as Sunny, at Ufuoma Town.
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A search of the premises reportedly led to the recovery of another stolen Daylong motorcycle, a fabricated Beretta pistol, a locally made shotgun and two live cartridges.
The police spokesman said the suspects were in custody, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate.
In a separate development, operatives of CP-SAT, in collaboration with the Ughelli Vigilante, recovered an AK-47 rifle and 26 rounds of live ammunition following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in Ughelli North Local Government .
Edafe said the operation was carried out on October 31, 2026, following credible intelligence about a criminal hideout in a forest at Ekrerhavwe, Ughelli North.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, prompting a gun duel during which two suspects sustained gunshot injuries, while others fled into the forest.
“The injured suspects were taken to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead by the doctor.
“One AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks were recovered during the operation,” he said.
CP Erale, reiterated the command’s commitment to combating cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to assist the police in tackling criminal activities.
Eralе assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and other criminal elements in the state.
