ASABA/Nigeria: In a sweeping crackdown on organized crime, the Delta State Police Command has busted two criminal syndicates notorious for kidnapping, armed robbery, and “one chance” operations across Ughelli, Warri, Agbarho, Sapele, and surrounding communities.
According to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the breakthrough followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, who tasked the CP’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) with taking over a kidnapping case initially reported at the Isiokolo Police Station.
The operation led to the arrest of Augustine Ojanuware, a suspected member of a deadly kidnap and robbery syndicate. During interrogation, Ojanuware reportedly confessed to being part of a criminal network responsible for multiple abductions and heists in the region. Acting on intelligence provided by the suspect, CP-SAT operatives stormed hideouts in Osubi and Ughelli, arresting two more gang members: 27-year-old Precious Urhobowin from Ewu Community and 32-year-old Julius Okpako from Oviri-Ogor, identified as the owner of a POS device used for collecting ransom.
The team also recovered a locally fabricated firearm along with eight rounds of live ammunition. Police investigations further revealed the gang’s involvement in the abduction of a pharmacist in Ughelli on June 19, 2025. The victim was reportedly held for five days before being released after a ransom was paid. Her Lexus SUV was later found abandoned near Isiokolo. The same gang is also believed to have attempted the abduction of another victim at Iyede community on April 28, during which the victim’s Toyota Corolla was stolen.
In a parallel operation, CP-SAT operatives led by ASP Julius Robinson dismantled another syndicate specialized in robbing unsuspecting passengers under the guise of commercial tricycle transport—a method popularly known as “one chance.”
Acting on credible intelligence, officers swooped on Agbarho and Ughelli on June 28 and 29, arresting the suspected ring leader, 37-year-old Lucky Oghenerobor from Olomoro, Isoko South LGA, along with two accomplices: 24-year-old Olamide Fagbaibe from Akure, Ondo State, and 37-year-old Umeh Akpan from Eket, Akwa Ibom State. All suspects were said to be residents of Ughelli.
Sixteen sophisticated mobile phones suspected to be stolen from victims were recovered, alongside the gang’s operational tricycle. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to targeting commuters in Ughelli, Warri, and Sapele.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements, CP Abaniwonda urged members of the public to continue providing actionable intelligence to aid law enforcement operations.
All suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
