The command has continued to make Delta State hot for criminals by continuous proactive and intelligence-driven Policing. The command recorded immense success in the fight against crime and criminality, which has given rise to the massive recovery of sophisticated firearms, twelve suspected stolen vehicles, hard drugs, and the arrest of suspects. I am delighted to announce to you today that the syndicate allegedly responsible for the kidnapping incidents so far recorded in Ogwashi-uku, Ibusa, Issele-uku, Ubuluku, and environs has been killed in a gun duel with operatives of the command.
- DEATH OF FOUR SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RECOVERY OF THREE AK-47 RIFLES: Following the kidnap of a Doctor at Issele-uku on the 6th of April 2025 and his release on the 7th of April 2025 after collecting a ransom of Fifteen Million Naira (#15,000,000) from the medical doctor and the driver. I directed the operatives of the CP-Special assignment team to embark on an intelligence-led investigation.
On 10/04/2025, they trailed and arrested one Abubakar Usman Popularly known as “Shehu” the gang leader of a deadly kidnapping syndicate and allegedly responsible for a series of kidnappings at Ogwashi-uku, Ibusa, Ubuluku, and environs and also responsible for the kidnap of the medical doctor and collected a ransom of Fifteen Million Naira (#15,000,000). They were also responsible for the kidnapping of the wife and daughter of Mr. Godwin Anuka after killing him in the Ogwashi-uku area as well. He confessed to being responsible for the kidnap of a realtor, Esther Ojoh, at Ibusa, whose corpse was later found on the 25th of March 2025. Acting on his confession at about 1100hours of 11th April 2025, the suspect led operatives to their hideout, a forest along the Asaba/Agbor express road between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba where, in the process of searching the Area, the suspect raised an alarm and fled to join his waiting gang members. The gang members engaged the team in a fierce gun duel during which four of the suspects, including the said Usman Abubakar sustained serious gunshot injuries. Three AK-47 rifles and ninety (90) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered. The injured suspects were taken to the general hospital Ogwashi-uku, where they were all confirmed dead.
- ARREST OF A SUSPECTED GUN RUNNER AND RECOVERY OF THREE (3) AK-47 RIFLES THREE THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY (3,120) ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION:
On 3/03/2025 at about 1200hrs, operatives of the command attached to Dragon 14 while on stop and search duty along Warri/Benin road by Western Delta University Oghara intercepted a blue color Toyota Camry with Reg No PHC-257-NT driven by one Peter James (m) aged 55yrs indigene of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The driver was asked to open the trunk of the vehicle, during which it was observed that the trunk of the said Camry, popularly known as “big daddy,” was unusually small. This aroused the suspicion of the policemen that the vehicle had been modified for malicious purposes. The Policemen then proceeded and removed the seat of the vehicle, only to discover three (3) AK-47 rifles, Two Thousand and Eighty (2,080) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one thousand and forty (1,040) rounds of 51mm LAR ammunition totaling three thousand, one hundred and twenty rounds of ammunitions loaded in six boxes. The exhibit has been recovered, and the investigation is ongoing.
- ARREST OF SUSPECTED GUN RUNNER, RECOVERY OF SEVEN (7) PUMP ACTION GUNS AND ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED (1,600) ROUNDS OF CARTRIDGES:
On 06/03/2025 at about 1100hrs the command’s operatives attached to Dragon Patrol Team 02 while on stop and search duty along Asaba/Benin expressway by National Open University Onicha-Ugbo, intercepted a Navy Blue Sharon space bus with registration number DKA 408 LM driven by one Yahuza Magaji (m) aged 69 years in company of one Abba Sani (m) aged 17years both of Lere LGA in Kaduna State. They disguised as traders transporting Palm Oil and Garri.
During the search of the vehicle, Seven (7) pump action guns and five (5) cartons containing one thousand six hundred (1,600) rounds of live cartridges concealed under the back seat of the vehicle were recovered. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects bought the arms from Onitsha and were transporting them to Kaduna State. An investigation is ongoing.
- ARREST OF A YOUTH LEADER IN POSSESSION OF AK 47-RIFLE AND FORTY-FOUR ROUNDS OF 7.62MM AMMUNITION: On the 15th of March 2025, at about 1030 hours, the DPO Ekpan Police station received information that one Victor Edavwe ‘m’ the youth president of Ekpan community was suspected to have recently purchased an AK-47 rifle. The DPO Ekpan division led operatives to Shrine Street in Ekpan, where the suspect,, Victor Edavw,e, was arrested and taken to the Police station for questioning.
During the interrogation, suspects gave useful information that corroborated the information received by the DPO and led the operatives to the house of one Efe (surname unknown) AKA ‘Eteyomo’ and a search was conducted in the premises during which one AK-47 rifle, one single barrel gun, three cutlasses, two daggers and Forty-four rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition wrapped in a black sack and concealed on the roof of the sitting room were recovered. The suspects are in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
- ARREST OF NOTORIOUS CAR SNATCHER, RECOVERY OF EIGHT SUSPECTED STOLEN VEHICLES AND A BERETTA PISTOL: Sequel to a case of kidnapping of a man (name withheld) in Agbarho, where the hoodlums made away with his vehicle. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of CP-SAT trailed the suspects to Kogi State and arrested one Collins Abo ‘m’, aged 38yrs, alongside three others, and recovered the said vehicle. Acting on their statement, the team trailed and arrested Isiah Oke and recovered one Beretta pistol from him. Investigation revealed that the suspect is a serial car snatcher. All his gang members have been arrested, and a total of eight (8) suspected stolen vehicles have been recovered. An investigation is ongoing.
- DEATH OF FIVE SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, ARREST OF THREE KIDNAPPED SUSPECTS, RECOVERY OF ONE AK-47 RIFLE, ONE PUMP ACTION GUN, THREE LOCALLY MADE GUNS, SIXTY ROUNDS OF 7.62MM AMMUNITION AND CARTRIDGES:
Following an intelligence-led investigation carried out on kidnapping in Ughelli North LGA and environs, on the 21/3/2025, at about 2300hrs, operatives of CP Special Assignment Team (CP SAT) led acting on the intelligence trailed and arrested one Adamu Abubakar ‘m’ popularly known as ‘dogo’ who is the leader of a kidnapping syndicate at DSC roundabout Warri. The arrest and interrogation of this suspect led to the arrest of two other suspects, Abubakar Mohammed, popularly known as ‘chede’, and Mohammed Bellow at Otovwodo park in Ughelli North LGA. The suspects led the operatives to Iyamugo forest where their hidden weapons which includes one (1) AK-47 rifle, One (1) pump action gun, three (3) locally made guns, two magazines, sixty (60) rounds of AK-47 live ammunition and seventeen (17) rounds of live cartridges were recovered. Upon exit from the forest, some hoodlums suspected to be their gang members engaged the Police in a gun duel during which five of the hoodlums sustained gunshot injuries while others escaped. The injured suspects were and later died while receiving treatment. The three suspects and the exhibit are in custody while the investigation is ongoing.
- ARREST OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RECOVERY OF ONE AK-47 RIFLE, AND THIRTEEN ROUNDS OF 7.62MM AMMUNITION: On 26th March 2025. Operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team were on the trail of some suspected kidnappers, extended their investigation to Rivers State, and at about 1820 hours of the same date, one Chedeye Mohammed was trailed and arrested. Upon interrogation, the suspect led operatives to a bush after trailer park in River State where they hid their weapons. One AK-47 Rifle loaded with thirteen rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition was recovered. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect and his members were usually kidnapped at Ughelli, Agbarho, and other parts of the state and hibernated in River State. Efforts to arrest his other gang members are ongoing.
- ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS, GUN RUNNERS, AND RECOVERY OF ONE AK-47 RIFLE, ONE AUTOMATIC PUMP ACTION GUN, ONE BERETTA PISTOL, AND AMMUNITION:
Acting on credible information, operatives of the CP Special Assignment embarked on a sting operation in Anyangba town Kogi State, and arrested three suspects named Zakari Mohammed ‘m’ aged 31years of Olugbujo community, Ibrahim Mumuni ‘m’ aged 29yrs old of Anyangba town, and Mohammed Hamisu ‘m’ age 25yrs of Anyangba town all in Dekina LGA of Kogi state. A search warrant was executed at their residence, during which one AK-47 rifle and one automatic Pump action gun were recovered. On the same date, at about 1405 hours, the operatives, acting on the statement made by the suspect,, arrested another suspectnameded Samaila Mohammed ’m’, aged 35yrs, of Udo community Dekina LGA, Kogi S,tate, and recovered a Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition and cartridges. The suspects are in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
- ARREST OF A SUSPECT IN POSSESSION OF EIGHTY-TWO (82) ROUNDS OF 7.62MM AMMUNITION:
On 25/3/2025 at about 1820hrs, the operatives of CP-SAT acting on intelligence gathered embarked on a covert operation at Olomoro community in Isoko South LGA and arrested one Emu Lucky ‘m’ aged 35yrs, a native of Igbide community. During a search of his premises, the operatives recovered Eighty-two (82) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was working with one Mohammed Bellow, a suspected kidnapper already in custody. Mohammed bellow acts as a middle man, between the suspected gun runner and other suspected kidnappers. The suspects are in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
- ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS, AND KIDNAPPERS, RECOVERY OF ONE ENGLISH PUMP ACTION, TWO LOCALLY MADE SINGLE BARREL GUNS, AND ONE FABRICATED BERETTA PISTOL: On the 16th of March 2025 at about 1600hours, the DPO Ekpan Police station while acting on intelligence gathered on the criminal activities of kidnappers, and armed robbers around Jeddo Axis of Okpe LGA, led operatives of Ekpan Police station and arrested Endurance Oghoghome ‘m’ aged 38yrs of Umukoro street, Blessing Oghoghome ‘m’ 46yrs, one Marvellous Dissy ‘m’ aged 43yrs and Jonas Orogho ‘m’ 38yrs. The suspect, upon preliminary investi,gation led the policemen to their hideout in Jeddo community where one Automatic English pump-action gun, two locally made single-barrel guns, one locally fabricated Beretta pistol, and one locally made cut-to-size gun were recovered. Suspects and exhibits are in custody while an investigation is ongoing.
- DEATH OF NOTORIOUS KIDNAPPERS AND RECOVERY OF ONE AK-47 RIFLE: Operatives of the CP Special Assignment team arrested one suspect when he was seeking to buy AK-47 rifle ammunition at about 2330hrs of 09/3/2025. The suspect led the operatives to their hideout along the railway line in Agbarho, where the gang members, upon sighting the Police, engaged the team in a fierce gun duel, during which four suspected kidnappers sustained serious gunshot injuries. One AK-47 Rifle with one magazine was recovered. The injured suspects were taken to the general hospital Ughelli for treatment but were later confirmed dead by the doctor. Corpses have been deposited at the hospital morgue while efforts to trail and arrest the fleeing hoodlums are ongoing.
- ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTIST AND RECOVERY OF TWO PUMP ACTION GUNS, AND TWENTY-FOUR ROUNDS OF LIVE CARTRIDGES: Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) at about 1345hrs of 3/2/2025 trailed and arrested a suspected cultist and gun runner on the command wanted list named Stephen Oma Odu “m” aged 25yrs of Obagho Community in Warri North LGA Delta State at Sapele Town. Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspected cultist known as Abel Festus, aka “TOMPOLO “m” aged 42 years of Oghareki Community in Ethiope west LGA Delta State. Upon searching his apartment, two (2) pump action guns and twenty-four (24) rounds of live cartridges were recovered.
- OPERATIVES OF THE COMMAND ENGAGES SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS AND RESCUES FIVE KIDNAPPED VICTIMS RECOVERS #1,3000,000 RANSOM: Following the unfortunate kidnap incident that occurred on 22/2/2025 where five (5) members of Elyon Paradise Ministry Ogwashi-uku were kidnapped while attending a night vigil service at the church. On 25th February 2025, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad embarked on a sting operation alongside members of the Ubuluku community vigilante and other concerned indigenes of the Ubuluku community. They stormed Ubuluku forest where the victims were being held hostage. The kidnappers, on sighting the Police, took to their heels, abandoning the victims. All five of the Kidnapped members of Elyon Paradise ministry were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families. The exhibit recovered includes thirteen rounds of expended cartridges and a bag containing the sum of One Million, three hundred thousand naira (#1,300,000) suspected to be ransom money. The manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.
- ARREST OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RECOVERY OF ONE SEMI-AUTOMATIC BERETTA PISTOL, THREE LOCALLY MADE GUNS, AND MILITARY UNIFORMS: Acting on an intelligence-led investigation carried out on the arrest of some suspected kidnappers on 30/01/25 who have been terrorizing Abraka/Obiaruku/Umutu, operatives of the CP Special Assignment team (CP-SAT) stormed the hideout of these hoodlums led by one Emeka (surname unknown) on the 02/02/25 at about 1635hrs, located at Evwokenren layout off Ughelli road Agbarho in Ughelli North LGA Delta State. During the raid, a fabricated Semi-Automatic Beretta Pistol with four (4) rounds of live ammunition, four locally made cut-to-size guns, thirteen (13) rounds of live cartridges, and a pair of military uniforms concealed in a black polythene bag were recovered.
- ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER AND RECOVERY OF ONE G-3 RIFLE: On the 17th of January 2025, acting on a tip-off, the DPO Agbarho Division mobilized and led operatives to the apartment of one Eriga Enyuche ‘m’ aged 40yrs, and upon search of his one-room apartment, one G-3 Rifle, one pump action gun was recovered hidden in the ceiling of the room. The investigation is ongoing.
In the first quarter of this year, the command arrested over one hundred and six (106) suspects involved in serious crimes which includes thirty-five (35) suspected armed robbers, twenty-four (24) suspected kidnappers, Five (5) murder suspects, twenty-two (22) suspected cultists, Four (4) suspects arrested for rape and defilement offenses and a total number of thirteen (13) kidnapped victims were rescued. A total number of Fifty-three (53) firearms, which includes Eleven (11) AK-47 Rifles, nine (9) Beretta pistols, Nineteen (19) single barrel/locally made cut-to-size guns, and thirteen (13) Pump action guns were recovered. Lastly, a total of Five Thousand six hundred twelve (5,612) rounds of ammunition/cartridges were also recovered within the period under review.
- Number of AK-47/recovered – 11
- G-3 rifles – 1
- Number of Beretta pistols recovered – 9
- Number of single barrel/cut-to-size guns recovered – 19
- Number of pump action guns recovered – 13
- Number of ammunition and cartridges recovered – 5,612
- Number of Kidnapped victims rescued – 13
- Number of recovered vehicles – 14
Total number of Arms recovered – 53
SUSPECTS ARRESTED - Suspected Armed Robbers arrested – 35
- Suspected kidnappers arrested – 24
- Murder suspects arrested – 21
- Suspects cultists arrested – 22
- Rape/defilement suspects – 4
Total number of suspects arrested – 106
I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the Delta State Government, other sister security agencies, and the good people of Delta State for their continuous support of the Delta State Police Command. Security is everybody’s business, and the Police in Delta State would not have recorded these achievements without support and partnership. I therefore solicit continuous support and partnership with the command because together, we can keep Delta State safe for all. I leave you with this quote “If you see something”
Deltans are urged to report any suspicious persons or movement within the environment either by reporting at the nearest Police station or calling any of the following control room numbers
- 08036684974
- 08114895600
- 08025666914
