UGHELLI NORTH/Nigeria: In a significant development, the Delta State Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against criminal activities in the region.
On May 16, 2024, at approximately 0200hrs, a special squad under the direction of CP Abaniwonda Olufemi executed a successful operation targeting a notorious kidnapping syndicate in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA). Acting on intelligence, the operatives stormed Inene Community in pursuit of Joel Joseph, the alleged leader of the gang and a native of Ekakpamre Community in the same LGA.
Upon encountering the operatives, Joseph opened fire, leading to a fierce gunfight. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to the General Hospital Ughelli, where he later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. An AK-47 rifle loaded with ten rounds of live ammunition was recovered from the scene. The police have intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate based on the gathered intelligence.
In a related incident, the Delta State Command arrested a suspected gun runner and seized a substantial cache of ammunition. On the same day, at about 0945hrs, operatives of the Safe Delta initiative, stationed at Head-Bridge, Asaba, intercepted a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number AYB573XC. The bus, driven by 43-year-old Friday Emmanuel from Morsogar in Ethiope-West LGA, was found to contain 875 rounds of live cartridges hidden in a sack wrapped with pieces of cloth. Emmanuel was taken into custody for further investigation, and the ammunition was confiscated.
CP Abaniwonda Olufemi reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to reducing crime through proactive policing strategies and intelligence-led operations. He encouraged the public to collaborate with law enforcement by providing timely and credible information, emphasizing that community safety is a shared responsibility.
The Delta State Command has provided emergency contact numbers for the public to report distress and provide tips: 08036684974, 08125958005, and 09053872287.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, highlighted the significance of these operations in bolstering the Command’s efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents.
These successes underscore the Delta State Command’s unwavering dedication to combatting criminal elements and maintaining public safety across the region.
