By Francis Sadhere, Warri
The Delta State Police Command has apprehended 52 suspects, including 34 alleged kidnappers, 12 cultists, two fraudsters, and four gunrunners, in a significant operation spanning Warri, Sapele, and Ughelli.
The operation, conducted between September and October 2024, also led to the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including seven AK-47 rifles, one AK-49, one G3 rifle, six pump-action guns, nine locally made firearms, and 53 rounds of ammunition.
In a notable success, police rescued three kidnapped victims and recovered N5.5 million believed to be ransom money. The operation is part of a broader strategy to combat rising crime rates in the region, spearheaded by Police Commissioner Olufemi Abaniwonda since his appointment on February 1, 2024.
During a press briefing at Ughelli, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, detailed the coordinated efforts that led to these arrests, emphasizing the importance of intelligence gathering and collaboration with local police divisions.
“This masterstroke by the Commissioner has been effective, allowing residents to feel safer in their communities,” he stated.
Among those arrested was a kidnapping syndicate, identified as Bakpor Isaiah (34), Victor (31), Ogheneochukwu Emmanuel (47), and Godspower Clifford (19), caught in Sapele on September 12. Police seized an AK-47 rifle and a Toyota Sienna, which the group used for their operations.
Additional arrests included Oghenetega (33), who was apprehended on September 17 with two rifles and a fabricated gun, and Ojoko Ijoyoto (29), a murder suspect linked to the killing of a local youth leader and a police officer.
On October 5, suspected cultist Tunde Akingbenomo (32) was arrested in Ethiope East, with a locally made gun and two fabricated pistols found at his residence. The same day, Timothy Ochuko (42), a suspected kidnapper, was taken into custody, leading to the recovery of N500,000 believed to be part of a ransom payment.
Edafe reported a gun battle on September 18 with suspects in Ogor forest, resulting in two injuries among the attackers, who later succumbed to their wounds. Police recovered additional weapons during this encounter.
Edafe said authorities have intensified efforts to capture remaining suspects involved in these operations, adding that the police is committed to enhancing public safety in Delta State.
