Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Delta State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its battle against violent crime, following the arrest of a three-man kidnap and armed robbery syndicate believed to be responsible for a string of attacks along the Asaba–Benin Expressway and the Okpanam–Asaba corridor.
The suspects, Oghenemaro Martins (25), Tarebi Miracle Ogbada (22), and Okorie James Kalu (19), were arrested on Sunday, 23rd November, after the police responded to a distress call regarding an early-morning robbery near the Dustbin/Mango Tree area.
Commander of the Eagle Net Special Squad, SP Danyaya Inusa, promptly deployed surveillance teams in a joint operation with operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service led by DSP Abu Joshua.
Upon arrival, the armed gang reportedly opened fire on the operatives, who returned controlled fire and forced the assailants to flee.
A heated chase ensued, leading to the arrest of the suspects. During the pursuit, the fleeing robbers abandoned a black bag which contained a cache of weapons and stolen items.
Recovered items include one English-made Beretta pistol, one locally made pistol, four live 9mm ammunition, and several stolen electronics — including an HP laptop, an iPhone S, a Tecno phone, a Samsung phone, a PS5 console, two necklaces, and a laptop charger.
Police said the items matched descriptions earlier provided by victims robbed at gunpoint around the Okpanam–Asaba axis. Investigators have since established a direct link between the suspects, the recovered weapons, and multiple robbery cases under investigation.
All suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the officers for their swift response and tactical precision, reaffirming the Command’s zero tolerance for kidnapping, armed robbery, and related crimes.
