…neutralizes kidnap syndicate, recovers over 5,600 rounds of ammunition
In a significant boost to public safety efforts, the Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, has recorded sweeping successes in its fight against crime during the first quarter of 2025.
The Command’s achievements were disclosed during a press briefing in Asaba on Wednesday, where the Commissioner detailed key arrests, deadly shootouts with criminals, and extensive arms recoveries across the state.
According to CP Olufemi, sustained intelligence-led policing and proactive strategies have made Delta State increasingly uncomfortable for criminals.
Between January and March 2025, the police arrested 106 suspects for various offenses, including armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, cultism, and rape.
Among the most notable incidents was the neutralization of a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for multiple abductions in Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Issele-Uku, and Ubuluku.
The syndicate met its end during a fierce gun duel with police operatives on April 11, following the earlier arrest of gang leader Abubakar Usman, alias “Shehu.”
Usman had confessed to several high-profile kidnappings, including the murder of realtor Esther Ojoh.
During the encounter, four gang members, including Usman, were fatally wounded, and three AK-47 rifles with 90 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
Key Arrests and Recoveries:
Gun Running: Two major busts led to the arrest of gun runners transporting heavy arms across state lines. On March 3, a vehicle carrying three AK-47 rifles and 3,120 rounds of ammunition was intercepted in Oghara.
Another arrest on March 6 yielded seven pump action guns and 1,600 cartridges concealed beneath sacks of food.
Community Leader Arrested: A youth president of Ekpan community, Victor Edavwe, was apprehended for illegal possession of firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and 44 rounds of ammunition.
Car Snatching Syndicate: A cross-state operation led to the arrest of a notorious car snatcher and recovery of eight stolen vehicles and a Beretta pistol.
Deadly Shootouts: Multiple shootouts occurred during operations in Ughelli, Agbarho, and Warri, resulting in the death of at least nine suspected kidnappers and the recovery of several firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pump action guns.
Church Kidnap Case Resolved: In February, five members of the Elyon Paradise Ministry kidnapped during a vigil in Ogwashi-Uku were rescued unharmed after a joint police-vigilante operation. A suspected ransom sum of ₦1.3 million was recovered at the scene.
Cultism Crackdown: Suspected cultists linked to arms trafficking were apprehended in Sapele and Oghareki, with multiple firearms recovered.
Overall Achievements:
Firearms recovered: 53 (including 11 AK-47 rifles, 9 Beretta pistols, and 13 pump action guns)
Ammunition recovered: 5,612 rounds
Vehicles recovered: 14 suspected stolen vehicles
Suspects arrested: 106 (35 armed robbers, 24 kidnappers, 21 murder suspects, 22 cultists, and 4 for rape/defilement)
Kidnap victims rescued: 13
Commissioner Olufemi commended the Delta State Government, sister agencies, and citizens for their support, emphasizing that security remains a shared responsibility. He urged continued cooperation, adding, “If you see something, say something.”
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities via the police control room numbers:
