Delta Police Crack Down on Crime Ahead of Festive Season
ASABA/Nigeria: In a comprehensive press briefing held in Ughelli, the Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, showcased significant achievements in its ongoing fight against crime across Ughelli, Sapele, Ekpan, Warri, and surrounding areas. The commissioner emphasised his unwavering commitment to ensuring that “Deltans must sleep with their two eyes closed,” particularly as the yuletide season approaches.
The command’s tactical enforcement of its Ember Month operational directives has yielded remarkable results in curbing criminal activities. One such success was the arrest of a notorious gang member, Godstime Ajugba, 41, whose syndicate had terrorised several communities. Acting on credible intelligence, the CP-Special Assignment Team raided a hideout in Mosogar, uncovering an arsenal of weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and over 100 rounds of live ammunition. Ajugba is currently in custody as investigations progress.
In Ekpan, a surveillance operation targeting armed robbers escalated into a gunfight at a forest hideout near Effurun. Two suspects, initially arrested during the operation, were fatally injured in the crossfire initiated by their gang members. The police recovered firearms, ammunition, and stolen items, including smartphones and a Rolex wristwatch. Efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing gang members.
Further demonstrating its resolve, the command dismantled a kidnapping syndicate implicated in several abductions, including one involving a ₦5 million ransom in Ughelli. During a raid on their hideout, operatives engaged the suspects in a firefight, leading to their eventual capture. Both suspects later succumbed to injuries sustained in the operation. Recovered items included a pump-action gun, a Beretta pistol, and ammunition.
The command also recorded a breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking with a raid on an illicit warehouse in Sapele. Multiple suspects were apprehended, and a significant cache of prohibited substances, including codeine, tramadol, and Indian hemp, was seized. A Toyota Camry used for distribution was also recovered. The prime suspect, known as “Obi God,” remains at large.
In a collaborative effort with local hunters, the police successfully rescued two kidnapped boys in Abraka. The operation in the Kokori-Samagidi bush resulted in a gun battle, during which a suspect was fatally wounded. The victims were safely reunited with their families, while the police recovered two AK-47 rifles. A manhunt is ongoing for the remaining culprits.
In a separate operation, three suspects posing as transport operators were arrested following an investigation into a robbery complaint. Known for preying on passengers and young women, the gang had stolen funds and high-end mobile devices from victims. The suspects are in custody as investigations continue.
SP Edafe Bright, the Police Public Relations Officer, commended the operatives for their dedication and reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
These milestones underscore the Delta State Police Command’s determination to ensure peace and security during the festive season, enabling residents to celebrate without fear.
