ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its renewed offensive against violent crimes, with recent operations in Agbarho and Ughelli leading to the dismantling of a notorious armed robbery gang, recovery of firearms, and arrest of key suspects.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Asaba, stating that the operations were carried out under the strategic leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.
According to the statement, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) stormed a criminal hideout on the outskirts of Panama Layout, Ughelli, at about 8:30 p.m. on November 19, 2025, following credible intelligence. Four suspects were arrested, including the alleged gang leader, Peter Ejenekevwe, 31, also known as “Calamity,” alongside Clever David, 35; Chukwuemeka Gospel Onuchukwu, 29; and Onome Collins, 32. The gang was said to be responsible for multiple cases of armed robbery, murder and rape across Ughelli North Local Government Area.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the gruesome murder of one Mr. Anthony Igoroko Omowho at Ekredjebor on November 11. They allegedly robbed him and his wife, trailed him to Saint Nicholas Hospital, assaulted medical staff, and stabbed him to death. The suspects further admitted to attacking a POS operator and her husband that same day, inflicting injuries and raping the victim’s 18-year-old sister-in-law.
Police operatives, advancing further into the bush based on their confession, recovered two locally made long guns, three locally made short guns, 23 live cartridges, and keys to a Lexus 350 SUV, which was later found with registration number KUJ 788 DR. However, while withdrawing from the location, police personnel were ambushed by members of the fleeing gang. The operatives repelled the attack with superior firepower, during which the four suspects were struck by bullets fired by their accomplices. They were later confirmed dead at General Hospital, Ughelli. A police officer sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter and is currently receiving treatment. The corpses of the suspects have been deposited in the morgue as investigations continue.
In a separate operation, the Police arrested a suspected armed robber in Agbarho on November 18, 2025. The Divisional Police Officer, CSP Pius Eredei, acting on a report that five suspected armed men broke into a residence at Uvwiama New Layout around 3:00 a.m., deployed operatives who worked in collaboration with local vigilante members. The suspects reportedly fired shots through the window after sighting the occupant attempting to defend himself with a machete. Property, including a 43-inch Hisense television, was damaged during the invasion.
Following a sustained search of the area, 19-year-old Victor Peculiar was arrested and found in possession of a locally fabricated double-barrelled short gun. He is currently in custody and has made useful statements as investigation progresses.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda, described the successes as proof of the Command’s improved operational capacity and its zero tolerance for violent crime. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information, assuring that such reports would be treated with strict confidentiality.
