Police Strike Hard On Kidnappers, Robbers, Cultists In Delta

The police in Delta State, has dealt a major blow to suspected criminal elements in the state, arresting a number of kidnappers, cultist and armed robbers in a series of separate operations.

This is coming as police operatives had on April 26, rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition after a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Okuno, Orogun community, Ughelli North local government area of the state.

One suspect was fatally injured and later died in hospital, while others escaped and are being pursued.

In a separate incidents, police arrested an armed robbery suspect and cultist, and recovered a locally made double-barrel pistol and an English-made Berreta pistol.

A sizeable quantity of Indian hemp and other drugs were also seized.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed this, in a statement, hinted that the police also foiled an attempt to steal a motorcycle, recovering an English Berreta pistol without a magazine.

He said, “On 26/4/2024, at about 0900hours, the command received an intelligence report that some suspected kidnappers were hibernating in Okuno, Orogun, where they were hiding alongside some kidnapped victims, the Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi directed the DPO Abraka Division SP Fabian Ayameh to lead police operatives to their hideout.

“The DPO swiftly mobilized police operatives alongside members of the Abraka vigilante, and hunters group, stormed the bush, and engaged the suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun duel during which one of the suspect sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped.

“One AK-47 rifle and eleven (11) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered. The two kidnapped victims (name withheld) were rescued unhurt and have been reunited with their families, while the injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment. Manhunt for the other fleeing suspects is ongoing.

“On 24/04/2024, at about 1445hrs, Eagle Net Special Squad Surveillance team while on routine patrol along Ovirigor Road Ughelli, flagged down a motorcycle. Upon search, a sizeable quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp was recovered.

“This necessitated the arrest of the 38-year-old motorcycle rider, Orji Timothy of No. 21 Olotu Street Ughelli. The operatives further extended their search to the suspect’s residence, where a Locally Made Double Barrel Pistol with Two Live Cartridges, Twenty Sachets of 100mg Tramadol, One Sachet of Swinol, and Two Cutlasses were recovered. Investigation is ongoing.

“On 22/4/24 at about 0300 hrs, a distress call was received at the Ovwian/Aladja Divisional Police Headquarters, that one Anthony Odumegwu, a 44 yrs male indigene of Ihiala, Anambra State, was arrested in an attempt to steal a Daylong Motorcycle with from one Mohammed Yusuf of Ekete Inland Waterside.

“Upon receipt of the information, the DPO Ovwian/Aladja, CSP Bulus Musa swiftly mobilized to the scene of the crime, and on a thorough search of the suspect and scene of the crime, an English Berreta Pistol without a magazine was recovered. Investigation is ongoing.

To this end, he said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has reiterated the commitment to chasing down and arresting enemies of peace in Delta State.

He said that the police are determined to ensure the safety and security of the state, and the swift and decisive action of officers serves as a testament to this commitment.