ASABA/Nigeria: Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have smashed a suspected kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate and arrested five suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations across parts of the state, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by SP Bright Edafe, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, Asaba, the Command said the first operation was carried out in the early hours of January 20, 2026, by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad acting on credible intelligence over reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Ororokpe and neighbouring communities.
According to the release, the operatives trailed a suspect to a notorious criminal hideout along the Jedo/Ugboton–Warri axis allegedly operated by one Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and another suspect identified simply as Ibori.
On storming the hideout at about 4.30 a.m., the police arrested the two principal suspects alongside three other members of the gang, while some suspects escaped through adjoining creeks and waterways.
A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of a locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with three rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a black Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle, a battle axe, illicit substances in commercial quantity and a Point-of-Sale machine.
The Command said the suspects have been cautioned and are currently in custody, while sustained efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.
In a related development, the Police also arrested five suspected cultists during a targeted raid on a hideout at Amai Community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area on January 22, 2026.
The suspects, identified as Frank Etiyemonu, 36; Chinedu Emeka, 25; Festus Nwadiche, 26; Azuju Onowu, 29; and Ozor Blessing, 29, were arrested at about 2.56 a.m. by operatives from the Obiaruku Division.
Items recovered from the hideout included a locally made pistol, two battle axes, quantities of Indian hemp and other suspected hard drugs, as well as other dangerous weapons.
The suspects are presently in police custody as investigations continue.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and effective deployment of actionable intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements through sustained proactive policing.
The police boss urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the Command with timely and credible information, assuring that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality.
