THE Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on organised crime, dismantling two criminal syndicates involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and passenger theft during separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
In one operation, the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on the orders of Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, made significant headway in a kidnapping case initially reported at Isiokolo Police Station.
A suspect, Augustine Ojanuware, earlier arrested in connection with the crime, confessed during interrogation to belonging to a deadly kidnapping and robbery gang operating in Ughelli, Warri, Agbarho, and Sapele.
Following his confession, CP-SAT operatives stormed locations in Osubi (Warri) and Ughelli on 28th June 2025, arresting two other suspects: 27-year-old Precious Urhobowin from Ewu Community and 32-year-old Julius Okpako from Oviri-Ogor Community — both in Ughelli North LGA.
Okpako, said to own a POS machine used to receive ransom payments, was found with a locally fabricated firearm and eight live cartridges. The trio are believed to be behind the kidnapping of a female pharmacist from her Ughelli home on 19th June 2025. She was released after five days in captivity following the payment of a ransom. Her Lexus SUV was later abandoned near Isiokolo.
The suspects also confessed to an attempted abduction and car theft incident involving a male victim at Iyede on 28th April 2025, during which his Toyota Corolla was snatched.
In a separate development, police operatives clamped down on a three-man “One Chance” robbery gang known for preying on commuters who unknowingly boarded their commercial tricycles.
Acting on credible intelligence and multiple public complaints, CP-SAT officers led by ASP Julius Robinson raided Agbarho and Ughelli towns on 28th and 29th June. The prime suspect, Lucky Oghenerobor, 37, of Olomoro in Isoko South, was arrested alongside two accomplices: Olamide Fagbaibe, 24, from Akure in Ondo State, and Umeh Akpan, 37, from Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
All suspects confessed to routinely robbing passengers in Ughelli, Warri, and Sapele. Sixteen suspected stolen mobile phones were recovered from them.
Reiterating the Command’s resolve to rid Delta State of criminal elements, CP Abaniwonda called on citizens to provide useful information to the police to aid ongoing security efforts.
For emergency or crime reporting, residents are encouraged to contact the Command via the following numbers:
- 📞 08036684974
- 📞 08114895600
- 📞 08025666914
