The Delta State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition and a vehicle across different parts of the state in a boost to the ongoing anti-kidnapping and anti-cultism operations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out by specialised police units.
According to the statement, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCCS) on January 20, 2026, at about 4:30 a.m., conducted a coordinated follow-up operation linked to reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Ororokpe and adjoining communities.
“The operation was executed along the Jedo/Ugboton–Warri axis, where operatives discreetly trailed a suspect to a criminal hideout allegedly operated by one Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and another suspect identified as Ibori,” Edafe said.
He added that the two principal suspects, alongside three others, were arrested during the raid, while some members of the gang escaped through nearby creeks and waterways.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of one locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with three rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a black Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle, a battle axe, illicit substances in commercial quantity and a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine.
“The suspects have been cautioned and are currently in custody undergoing further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate,” the police spokesman said.
In a separate operation, Edafe disclosed that 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 in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
Five suspects: Frank Etiyemonu (36), Chinedu Emeka (25), Festus Nwadiche (26), Azuju Onowu (29) and Ozor Blessing (29), were arrested during the operation.
Items recovered from the hideout included one locally made pistol, two battle axes, quantities of Indian hemp and other suspected hard drugs, as well as other dangerous weapons.
All the suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, has commended the operatives for their professionalism and effective use of actionable intelligence.
“He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to rid Delta State of criminal elements through sustained, proactive and intelligence-driven policing,” Edafe said, adding that residents were urged to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information, with assurances of confidentiality.
