Delta State Police Command Records Major Breakthroughs in War Against Kidnapping and Armed Robbery
By Emmanuel Enebeli
UGHELLI/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant successes in its ongoing campaign to rid the state of kidnapping and armed robbery, with major arrests and arms recovery made in Ughelli, Warri, and Sapele.
At a press briefing on October 9, 2024, the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Bright Dafe, revealed that under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Olufemi Abaniwonda, who assumed office in February 2024, a special team had been deployed to tackle rising criminal activities across the state. The special task force, led by ASP Julius Robinson, worked in collaboration with local Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to ensure the safety of residents.
“The results of this strategy are evident,” SP Dafe stated. “We have seen a marked reduction in criminal activities, thanks to the CP-Special Assignment Team’s (CP-SAT) efforts.”
Among the key breakthroughs was the arrest of four suspected kidnappers and armed robbers along the Sapele-Warri road. Acting on intelligence, the police launched a sting operation on September 12, 2024, which led to the apprehension of Bakpor Isaiah, Victor Ogheneochukwu Emmanuel, and Godspower Clifford, all members of the notorious Vikings confraternity. During the operation, an AK-47 rifle and a Toyota Sienna used for their operations were recovered.
In another operation on September 18, 2024, the command neutralized two suspected kidnappers following a fierce gunfight in Ogor Forest. Police recovered a pump-action gun, a cut-to-size gun, and nine rounds of live cartridges. Efforts to apprehend their accomplices are ongoing.
SP Dafe also disclosed the arrest of Timothy Ochuko, a suspected armed robber and kidnapper, on October 5, 2024. Investigations revealed Ochuko’s involvement in the abduction of a victim in Ughelli on September 25, 2024. Police recovered ₦500,000 from his account, part of the ₦4 million ransom paid by the victim. Additionally, an English-made Beretta pistol was recovered during the operation.
On September 17, 2024, the police arrested another notorious armed robber and kidnapper, identified as Oghenetega, in Sapele. He was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, and a fabricated long gun. Investigations are still ongoing.
The command’s efforts led to the arrest of another high-profile suspect, Ojoko Ijoyoto, also known as Pikolo, on September 25, 2024. Pikolo was linked to the murder of a local youth leader and a police officer. An AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of ammunition was recovered from his residence.
On October 5, 2024, police arrested a suspected cultist and armed robber, Tunde Akingbenomo, in Ogharaefe, Ethiope East. During the operation, two fabricated Beretta pistols and a locally made gun were recovered.
In summary, the Delta State Police Command has arrested 52 suspects, including 34 kidnappers, 12 cultists, two fraudsters, and four gunrunners. A total of seven AK-47 rifles, one AK-49 rifle, six pump-action guns, nine light machine guns, and 16 Beretta pistols have been recovered, along with 35 cartridges and 53 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, ₦5.5 million in ransom money was recovered, and three kidnapped victims were rescued.
CP Abaniwonda reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring peace and security across Delta State, urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as the fight against crime continues. He commended the CP-SAT team for their dedication and success in curbing criminal activities in the state.
