Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Delta State Police Command says recent coordinated operations in Ughelli and Agbarho have led to major breakthroughs in its ongoing campaign against violent crime, resulting in the arrest of a suspected armed robber, the recovery of multiple weapons, and the death of four members of a notorious criminal syndicate.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the operations were carried out under the “strategic leadership” of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, noting that the Command “remains committed to flushing out criminal elements across the State.”
According to the release, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) stormed a criminal hideout on the outskirts of Panama Layout, Ughelli, on 19th November at about 8:30 p.m. following credible intelligence.
Peter Ejenekevwe, 31, a.k.a. Calamity (said to be the gang leader), Clever David, 35,
Chukwuemeka Gospel Onuchukwu, 29, Onome Collins, 32.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to several violent crimes, including the robbery and murder of one Anthony Igoroko Omowho on 11th November at Ekredjebor.
They also admitted to trailing the victim to Saint Nicholas Hospital, robbing nurses on duty, and stabbing him fatally.
The police further said the suspects confessed to robbing a POS operator and her husband the same day, during which the victim’s sister-in-law, aged 18, was assaulted.
A follow-up investigation led officers into a bush where they recovered two locally made long guns, three locally made short guns, 23 live cartridges, and keys to a Lexus 350 SUV, later traced and recovered.
However, while withdrawing from the area, the police team came under heavy fire from fleeing gang members.
Officers repelled the attack, but the four arrested suspects were hit by bullets from the ambushers.
They were later confirmed dead at the General Hospital, Ughelli.
One police officer was injured and is receiving treatment.
“The attack was successfully repelled with superior firepower,” the Command stated, adding that investigations continue.
Meanwhile in a separate operation on 18th November, officers of the Agbarho Division arrested 19-year-old Victor Peculiar, identified as a key suspect in a violent break-in at Uvwiama New Layout earlier that day.
At about 3:00 a.m., five armed men allegedly forced their way into a residence.
Two entered the victim’s bedroom while three others stood guard outside.
Shots were fired through a window after the occupant attempted to defend himself with a machete.
A 43-inch Hisense television and other electronics were damaged.
DPO CSP Pius Eredei swiftly deployed officers, working in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.
Their efforts led to Victor’s arrest and the recovery of a locally fabricated double-barrelled short gun.
The suspect remains in custody and has “made useful statements,” the Command said.
