Delta: Police Arrest 5 Suspected Kidnappers/Armed Robbers, 5 Cultists, Recover Locally Fabricated Beretta Pistol, Others

By Daniel Dafe

The police in Delta State on Tuesday arrested five suspected kidnappers and armed robbers.

In a statement on Thursday, SP. Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Command, Asaba, added that operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCCS), acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated follow-up operation in connection with reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery across Obinomba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Ororokpe and surrounding communities.

He disclosed that “the intelligence-led operation, which was executed along the Jedo/Ugboton–Warri axis, saw the operatives discreetly trail a suspect to a notorious criminal hideout allegedly operated by one Oke Jerry Ekokodjie (male) and one Ibori (surname unknown).”

He continued: “Upon storming the location, the principal suspects, Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and Ibori, along with three (3) others, were successfully arrested, while some members of the gang fled through adjoining creeks and waterways.”

According to the statement, “a thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of dangerous and incriminating exhibits, one (1) locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with three (3) rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one (1) Mercedes-Benz GLK (black in colour), one (1) battle axe, illicit substances in commercial quantity, and one (1) Point-of-Sale (POS) machine,” just as he said that “the arrested suspects have been cautioned and are currently in police custody undergoing further investigation, while sustained efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.”

In another development, five suspected cultists have been arrested after a team of police operatives from Obiaruku Division carried out a targeted raid on a suspected cultists’ hideout at Amai Community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

The PPRO gave the names of the five (5) suspects as Frank Etiyemonu (male, 36 years), Chinedu Emeka (male, 25 years), Festus Nwadiche (male, 26 years), Azuju Onowu (male, 29 years), and Ozor Blessing (male, 29 years).

Continuing, he said that a search conducted at the hideout led to the recovery of incriminating items, including one (1) locally made pistol, two (2) battle axes, quantities of Indian hemp and other suspected hard drugs, as well as other dangerous weapons.

ALSO READ: CP Aina Adesola Commences Familiarisation Tour, Visits Asaba Area Command, Asagba Of Asaba

The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing.

Reacting to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commended the operatives for their professionalism and effective use of actionable intelligence.

He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering resolve to rid Delta State of criminal elements through sustained proactive and intelligence-led policing.

The CP urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information, assuring strict confidentiality.