Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
A series of high-stakes police operations across Delta State over the past week has resulted in the death of a suspected kidnapper, the arrest of several alleged armed robbers and cultists, and the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, authorities have confirmed.
In a detailed press statement released on Tuesday, the Delta State Police Command outlined the successes of its specialised units, crediting “credible intelligence” and collaboration with community volunteers for the breakthroughs.
The most dramatic incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 1st December. According to the statement, operatives from the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), acting on a tip-off, engaged a group of suspected kidnappers mobilising within the Obiaruku forest.
The suspects opened fire on the approaching officers, leading to a gun battle. Police returned fire with, as the statement described, “superior firepower,” resulting in the death of one suspect.
Others reportedly fled into the forest with injuries.
Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle, forty-two rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and assorted charms.
In a separate but related crackdown, the Commissioner’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) conducted coordinated raids between 28th and 29th November in Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele.
The operations targeted networks allegedly involved in theft, armed robbery, and cultism.
The team first intercepted 42-year-old Kelvin Oke in the Ekuigbo area, recovering a stolen tricycle.
Further investigations led to the arrests of alleged gang leader Victor Oyaye, 26, and Monday Emakpo, 31.
Another stolen tricycle and a locally made shotgun loaded with six cartridges were seized.
The CP-SAT’s offensive continued into the Oghara-Sapele axis. On the evening of the 29th, officers stormed the residence of 28-year-old Jeffery Saint in Ogharake.
Saint attempted to evade arrest but was subdued. A search of his premises uncovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and 15 rounds of live ammunition, allegedly concealed and ready for use.
Adding to the week’s tally, the Eagle Net Special Squad apprehended another suspect on 29th November during a routine stop-and-search operation along the busy Asaba-Benin Expressway.
Ezekiel Edeya, 28, attempted to flee from officers at a checkpoint near Mariam Babangida Junction but was captured.
A red handbag he discarded was found to contain a locally fabricated pistol, three live cartridges, an iron plier, and a screwdriver.
Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda commended the operatives for their “gallantry” and expressed appreciation to stakeholders for trusting the police with information vital to crime fighting.
