The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against violent crime with the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists in separate intelligence-driven operations across the state.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command announced the arrest of a notorious three-man armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate operating along the Asaba–Benin Expressway, as well as the capture of suspected cultists linked to violent activities in Sapele and Oghara.
According to the police, the first operation took place on November 23, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m. Officers of the Eagle Net Special Squad, acting on a distress call, moved to the Dustbin/Mango Tree area of the Asaba–Benin Expressway where a robbery was underway.
The team, led by SP Danyaya Inusa and supported by the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service under DSP Abu Joshua, came under immediate attack as the suspects opened fire in an attempt to repel the operatives.
The security teams responded decisively, forcing the criminals to flee. A sustained chase led to the arrest of three suspects: Oghenemaro Martins (25), Tarebi Miracle Ogbada (22), and Okorie James Kalu (19). During the pursuit, the suspects abandoned a black bag containing an English-made Beretta pistol, a locally made pistol, four live 9mm ammunition, an HP laptop, several mobile phones, a PS5 console, jewellery, and other items matching descriptions given by victims of recent robberies in the Okpanam–Asaba corridor.
According to the statement, the recovered exhibits establish direct links between the suspects and multiple cases currently under investigation.
In another coordinated operation on November 24, 2025, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, acted on credible intelligence to track and arrest suspected members of the Aye Confraternity in Sapele and Oghara.
The suspects, Miracle Umukoro (52), Mudiaga Ukavwe (31), and Solomon Oghoro, also known as “Spartan” (30) were apprehended at about 5:30 a.m.
Recovered from them were a pump-action gun, six live cartridges, a cutlass, and a Toyota Sienna vehicle allegedly used for their surveillance and criminal activities. All items have been registered as exhibits, and investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the cult group.
Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, applauded the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in the operations. He reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes, assuring residents that the police will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and security in Delta State.
He urged the public to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s Control Room Number: 08036684974.
