Odita Sunday 
Delta Police Record Major Breakthroughs In Anti-Kidnapping, Anti-Cult Operations; Arrest Ten Suspects, Recover Firearms, Ammunition And Stolen Vehicle
The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult-related crimes across the state, with the arrest of ten suspected criminals and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, dangerous weapons, illicit substances, and a stolen vehicle.
In a major intelligence-led operation on January 20, 2026, at about 4:30 a.m., operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCCS), acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated follow-up operation linked to reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Ororokpe, and neighbouring communities.
The operation, conducted along the Jedo/Ugboton-Warri axis, led officers to a notorious criminal hideout allegedly operated by one Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and an accomplice identified as Ibori (surname unknown). Upon storming the location, the principal suspects, alongside three others, were arrested, while some gang members escaped through adjoining creeks and waterways.
A comprehensive search of the premises resulted in the recovery of one locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with three rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one black Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle, a battle axe, illicit substances in commercial quantities, and a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine. The suspects are currently in police custody, assisting investigations, as efforts intensify to apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate.
In a related development, police operatives from Obiaruku Division, on January 22, 2026, at about 2:56 a.m., carried out a targeted raid on a suspected cultists’ hideout at Amai Community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area. The operation led to the arrest of five suspected cult members: Frank Etiyemonu (36), Chinedu Emeka (25), Festus Nwadiche (26), Azuju Onowu (29), and Ozor Blessing (29).
Recovered from the hideout were one locally made pistol, two battle axes, quantities of Indian hemp, other suspected hard drugs, and additional dangerous weapons. The suspects are presently in custody, while investigations continue.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and effective deployment of actionable intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ridding Delta State of criminal elements through proactive and intelligence-driven policing.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information, assuring the public of strict confidentiality.
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