*Recovered 4 AK-47,1 Pump Action Gun, 1 Beretta Pistol, 3 Locally Made Guns, 4 Raffle Magazine, 11 Cartridges, 1 Motorcycle

By Matthias Ogbagah

UGHELLI – In compliance with the directives and mandate of the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwond, the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson has in two weeks arrested eleven suspects concerning on offenses related to kidnappings, robbery, and cult-related issues.

According to the Delta State Police command image maker, SP. Edafe Bright, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, the operatives of the CP – Special Assignment Team (CP – SAT) on May 16, 2025, at about 1745hrs, successfully dismantled a notorious interstate kidnap syndicate that has been operating in Delta, Rivers, Enugu, and Imo State.

The operatives followed a trail to Port Harcourt, where they arrested a syndicate member named Idirisu Yakubu, a 21-year-old male suspect from Kwara State, but a resident of Elelenwo area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Upon interrogation, on May 17, 2025, at about 1320hrs, he led operatives to the arrest of their gang leader and coordinator, Bello Amodu “M” 40 years of Tangaza LGA, Sokoto state but a resident of Elelenwo area Port Harcourt, Rivers state who is coordinating the various syndicates within the South-South and South-East region.

SP Edafe Bright revealed further that further investigation led to the arrest of Umar Mohammed Beto ‘m’, 38 years of Tsamiya village, Bagudu LGA, Kebbi State, a resident of the Oil Mill Area, Port Harcourt area of Rivers State, who is said to be the one heading the Enugu axis, upon further interrogation, at about 0635hrs of the same date, they led operatives to a bush along Ughelli – Ozoro Road where one AK-47 Rifle loaded with twenty-three (23) rounds of live ammunition and a pump action with seven (7) rounds of live cartridges were recovered.

In a related development, the operatives of CP-SAT on May 20, 2025, at about 1735hrs effected the arrest of one Abubakar Hassan ‘m’ 30yrs of Niger State but is a resident of Woji area Port Harcourt, River State, upon interrogation, the suspect who heads the syndicate operating along the Ughelli-Ozoro axis led the team to a forest along the Ozoro axis where two (2) AK47 rifles and thirty-two (32) rounds of live ammunition and four (4) AK47 rifle magazines were recovered. The trail of other gang members has been intensified for possible arrest and recovery of more arms.

SP Edafe Bright disclosed that the operatives of CP-SAT on May 27, 2025, at about 2335hrs, while conducting a covert surveillance patrol along Ughelli – Patani Road, led by the commander ASP Robinson Julius, flagged down an approaching shuttle bus by Ewvreni Junction. Upon sighting the operatives, the occupants of the bus opened fire in a bid to escape, leading to an intense exchange of gun duel.

According to him, during the gun duel, Three (3) of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped. The injured suspects were taken to the hospital where they died while receiving treatment. One AK-47 rifle loaded with eighteen (18) rounds of live ammunition was recovered from them.

In a separate operation, on May 24, 2025, at about 0845hrs, acting on credible intelligence related to a syndicate specialized in robbing unsuspecting victims of their motorcycles and other valuables within Asaba/Okpanam/Ibusa/ Ogwashi-Uku and their environs, in a sting operation, operatives trailed and arrested one Ifeanyi Okolie ‘m’ aka “BLACK JESUS” 38yrs, a native of Nsukwa community in Aniocha South LGA of Delta State but resident at Okpanam area of Asaba.

The suspect led operatives to a bush opposite Okpanam City Gate, where three (3) Locally Made Guns and four (4) Live Cartridges were recovered, alongside a suspected stolen Q-LINK motorcycle. The operatives later arrested three other suspects namely; Ogochukwu Emmanuel ‘m’ 33yrs of Isu community in Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi state but resident at Okpanam area of Asaba, Joseph Egwu ‘m’ 42yrs of Ndibe community in Afikpo LGA of Ebonyi State but resident at Okwe area of Asaba, and one Yakubu Yusuf ‘m’ 28yrs of Audu Bako village in Nasarawa LGA of Kano State, but resident at Abraka Market Area of Asaba, identified as the receiver of the stolen items.

Another item recovered is a Beretta Pistol loaded with five (5) rounds of live ammunition in the residence of one “NINO” in Ibusa, now at large. The investigation is ongoing.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, commended the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) for their exemplary professionalism and dedication in executing the recent operations. He remarked that these significant successes demonstrate the command’s resolute commitment to dismantling criminal networks and enhancing the safety and security of all residents across Delta State.

He assured the public of the Command’s unwavering vigilance. He urged citizens to collaborate by promptly reporting any suspicious activities through the nearest police station or the Command Control Room Number: 08036684974, 08114895600, 08025666914.