The Delta State Police Command has made significant strides in combating crime, particularly kidnapping and armed robbery, in separate operations conducted across the state. According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, the operations were carried out in Umunede and Ughelli, targeting cultism, armed robbery, and kidnapping. These operations resulted in the arrest of four suspects, the neutralization of two suspected kidnappers, and the recovery of various items.
On October 30, 2026, at about 1:15 am, a resident of Umunede reported a threat from one Chibuike Ezeji, 30, who allegedly brandished a pistol. Acting on the complaint, operatives of the Umunede Police Division, in collaboration with the Umunede Civilian Anti-Cult Group, raided a residence along Umunede Expressway belonging to Oscar Ignatius, a suspected cultist. The operation led to the arrest of Chibuike Ezeji and Ikenna Emeka, 22, and the recovery of several firearms and suspected illicit drugs.
The recovered items from the Umunede operation included one pump-action gun, one locally made cut-to-size gun, three locally made pistols, eight live cartridges, and substances suspected to be cannabis and methamphetamine. The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing. This operation demonstrates the police's commitment to addressing cultism and armed robbery in the area.
In another operation on October 28, operatives of the Commissioner's Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) raided a suspected criminal hideout in Ighrovie, Ughelli, following complaints of motorcycle snatching by armed men. The operation led to the arrest of Peter Emobaye, 22, and James Emmanuel, 29, with the recovery of a stolen Qlink motorcycle. Preliminary interrogation led the suspects to the residence of their alleged gang leader, identified as Sunny, at Ufuoma Town.
A search of Sunny's premises reportedly led to the recovery of another stolen Daylong motorcycle, a fabricated Beretta pistol, a locally made shotgun, and two live cartridges. The police spokesman stated that the suspects were in custody, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate. This operation highlights the police's efforts to combat motorcycle snatching and armed robbery.
In a separate development, operatives of CP-SAT, in collaboration with the Ughelli Vigilante, recovered an AK-47 rifle and 26 rounds of live ammunition following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in Ughelli North Local Government. The operation was carried out on October 31, 2026, following credible intelligence about a criminal hideout in a forest at Ekrerhavwe, Ughelli North. The suspects opened fire, prompting a gun duel, during which two suspects sustained gunshot injuries and were later confirmed dead.
The Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Erale, reiterated its commitment to combating cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and the proliferation of illegal firearms. The command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to assist the police in tackling criminal activities. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and other criminal elements in the state.
Key points
- The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspects and neutralized two suspected kidnappers in separate operations across the state.
- The operations resulted in the recovery of seven firearms, 10 live cartridges, and suspected illicit drugs.
- The police command has reiterated its commitment to combating crime and urged residents to provide information to assist in tackling criminal activities.
