ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has once again demonstrated its operational readiness and tactical efficiency with the dismantling of two criminal syndicates responsible for armed robbery, kidnapping and cult-related violence across the state.
The details of the operations were contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.
According to the Command, the first breakthrough occurred on 23rd November 2025 at about 0630hrs, following a distress call reporting an armed robbery attack along the Asaba–Benin Expressway by the Dustbin/Mango Tree area. Commander of the Eagle Net Special Squad, SP Danyaya Inusa, immediately deployed surveillance teams in a joint operation with operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service led by DSP Abu Joshua.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers were ambushed with heavy gunfire from the robbery gang. The operatives responded with controlled precision, overpowering the criminals and forcing them into a chaotic retreat. A hot chase ensued, resulting in the arrest of three suspects: 25-year-old Oghenemaro Martins, 22-year-old Tarebi Miracle Ogbada, and 19-year-old Okorie James Kalu.
As the suspects fled, they abandoned a black bag later retrieved by operatives. The items found inside directly linked the trio to the robbery scene and previous coordinated attacks. Recovered exhibits include an English-made Beretta pistol, a locally made pistol, four live 9mm Beretta rounds, an HP laptop, an iPhone S, Tecno and Samsung phones, a PS5 game console, two necklaces and a laptop charger.
The firearms confirmed the gang’s readiness for violent confrontation, while the electronics and jewellery matched descriptions provided by victims recently robbed at gunpoint around the Okpanam–Asaba axis. Police say the recovered evidence firmly connects the arrested suspects to an ongoing series of armed robberies in the state. The men remain in custody as investigations continue.
In a separate intelligence-driven raid, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, cracked down on a violent cult network operating around Sapele and Oghara. Acting on credible intelligence, officers launched simultaneous operations at about 0530hrs on 24th November 2025, arresting three suspects: 52-year-old Miracle Umukoro, 31-year-old Mudiaga Ukavwe and 30-year-old Solomon Oghoro, popularly known as “Spartan.”
The suspects, who confessed to being members of the Aye Confraternity, were found in possession of one pump-action gun, six live cartridges, a cutlass and a Toyota Sienna (Reg. No. LSR 621 JW) reportedly used for surveillance and movement during criminal activities. All items have been registered as exhibits as investigators work to identify and arrest additional members of the cult network.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, praised the officers for their resilience, bravery and tactical precision. He reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and all forms of violent crime, assuring residents of intensified operations across Delta State.
The CP urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest police formation.
