IGP confab: 60 suspected kidnappers, robbers nabbed

Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, has warned criminals to stay away, just as the command arrested 60 suspected armed robbers, kidnappers and cultists. It rescued 20 victims and recovered N4.5million ransom, in their Agbarha-Otor hideout.

He spoke at the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Conference in Abuja: “We are focused on proactive initiatives designed to deny a safe haven to criminal elements. The command has undertaken a comprehensive reassessment of its crime prevention strategies, with community policing serving as the foundation element of the approach.

“From January 2026 to date, we have charged 455 cases to court and successfully prosecuted 205 cases, while 250 cases are currently undergoing trials in various courts.

“Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, established the Violent Crime Response Unit [VCRU] to tackle rising cases of serious crime. It is designed to serve as a strategic, specialised and rapid response strike force against violent crime nationwide.

“The command is committed to the mandate of the IGP to equip officers of the VCRU with the requisite knowledge and capacity for efficient, lawful and rights-compliant service delivery.

“Operatives of the Buffalo Patrol Team raided a suspected cultist hideout at Eagle Square, Okpanam Road, Asaba, and arrested seven suspects, male and two females. Also, operatives of the Safer Highway, during routine stop-and-search duty along Ughelli/Patani Road, intercepted a Lexus Jeep and recovered one pump action gun and 40 rounds of live cartridges.

The Anti-Cultism Squad arrested a suspected kingpin of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and recovered one locally made revolver pistol. It raided a suspected hideout in Eku-Igun Abraka community, Ethiope West Local Government and arrested six suspects. Operatives of the Safe Delta attached to the Head Bridge nipping point intercepted suspects while conducting routine stop-and-search and recovered six packets of live cartridges.

“We are strengthened by the leadership of the IGP. He maintained his stance on professionalism, discipline and respect for the rights and dignity of citizens. Officers have been directed to be professional, firm and courteous in the discharge of their duties and to imbibe community policing.

“They are also advised on discipline and integrity as core values that officers must uphold. Officers should shun corruption and illegal duty. They should have a good relationship with the public and respect the fundamental rights of the citizens.

“Operatives of Quick Response Squad [QRS], Warri and Effurun rescued abducted two-year-old and reunited the victim with his parents.

“We want to thank Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for fighting criminals especially armed robbers, kidnappers and cultists.”