Police Clamp Down On Armed Robbers, Drug Dealers In Ughelli

THE Delta State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in the fight against crime in Ughelli and its environs, with the arrest of notorious armed robbery gangs, recovery of stolen vehicles, seizure of arms and ammunition, and the bust of a major drug cartel.

Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, reaffirmed the command’s determination to rid the state of crime and criminality. He assured residents that with the establishment of the Ughelli Area Command, law and order in the region would be greatly strengthened.

Arrest of Armed Robbery Gang, Recovery of Stolen Vehicles

On 26 August 2025, operatives of the Ughelli Area Command arrested a suspected receiver of stolen items, Faith Perry, who was found with a stolen phone. Further investigation led to the arrest of her boyfriend, Kelly Otobure, from whose house a 65-inch television, PlayStation 4 console, and several mobile phones were recovered.

The suspects’ confessions subsequently led to the arrest of the gang leader, Samson Ugbe, also known as Big Man, and his accomplices—Emmanuel Edam, Frank Aminu, Sampson Irorowo, and Yahaya Bashir.

Police also recovered two suspected stolen vehicles linked to previous robberies, including a raid on Niger Delta University, Oghara, in 2024, and a warehouse robbery in which over 180 bags of rice were stolen.

Gun-Point Robbers Nabbed, Weapons Seized

In another operation on 25 August 2025, police apprehended a gang notorious for snatching motorbikes at gunpoint in Udu Local Government Area. Suspects identified as Henry Bernard (35), Justice Ayero (39), and Oho Ogbavwomera were arrested.

Their confessions led officers to the home of one Oluwa Felix in Owawha community, where a cache of weapons and items—including a single-barrel gun, dagger, hacksaws, touch lights, scissors, masking tape, and other tools—were recovered.

Drug Baron Busted in Afisere

On 29 August 2025, a major drug dealer, identified as 52-year-old Egbule Isioma, was arrested in Afisere, Ughelli.

Acting on credible intelligence, police raided her chemist shop opposite the town hall and later searched her residence.

Recovered from the operation were 355 bottles of codeine, hundreds of rolls of tramadol capsules, 540 sachets of swinol capsules, 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis, and other illicit substances. Three of her apprentices—Mercy John, Favour John, and Amarachi Ngozi—were also taken into custody.

Police described Isioma as a key distributor of illicit drugs within Ughelli and its environs.

Stolen Vehicles Recovered, Suspect in Custody

Earlier, on 24 August 2025, operatives intercepted a suspect, Igenebo John (35), attempting to sell two stolen vehicles—a Lexus RX350 and a Mercedes-Benz GLK350—for ₦2 million each.

Investigations revealed the vehicles were stolen from the residence of one Nathaniel Ugbebe in Sapele during an armed robbery on 17 August.

The gang made away with valuables, including multiple phones, laptops, jewellery, and ₦1.9 million, which they transferred through the victim’s mobile banking app.

The recovered vehicles have been traced back to their rightful owner, while police are intensifying efforts to apprehend other members of the gang, including one Ameachi, currently on the run.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could aid ongoing investigations.