Police Make Multiple Criminal Arrests in Delta State

Delta State Police Command agents, along with vigilante and hunting groups, killed a suspected kidnapper during a gunfight and freed two abducted victims in the state’s Ughelli LGA.

SP Bright Edafe, the command’s spokesperson, said in a statement on Sunday, April 28, 2024, that the suspect sustained gunshot injuries after he and members of his gang engaged security operatives in a shootout in their hideout.

The suspect was brought to the hospital, where he died while being treated. Other gang members escaped the scene.

“On 26/4/2024, at about 0900hours, the command received an intelligence report that some suspected kidnappers were hibernating in Okuno, Orogun, where they were hiding alongside some kidnapped victims, the Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi directed the DPO Abraka Division SP Fabian Ayameh to lead police operatives to their hideout,” the statement read.

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“The DPO swiftly mobilized police operatives alongside members of the Abraka vigilante, and hunters group, stormed the bush, and engaged the suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun duel during which one of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped. One AK-47 rifle and eleven (11) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.

“The two kidnapped victims (name withheld) were rescued unhurt and have been reunited with their families, while the injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment. Manhunt for the other fleeing suspects is ongoing,” the statement added.

The PPRO further stated that police detained Orji Timothy, a motorbike rider, carrying illegal substances, two cutlasses, and a locally built double-barrel pistol with two live rounds on Ovirigor Road in Ughelli.

“On 24/04/2024, at about 1445hrs, Eagle Net Special Squad Surveillance team while on routine patrol along Ovirigor Road Ughelli, flagged down a motorcycle. Upon search, a sizeable quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp was recovered. This necessitated the arrest of the 38-year-old motorcycle rider, Orji Timothy of No. 21 Olotu Street Ughelli,” the statement read.

“The operatives further extended their search to the suspect’s residence, where a Locally Made Double Barrel Pistol with Two Live Cartridges, Twenty Sachets of 100mg Tramadol, One Sachet of Swinol, and two Cutlasses were recovered. The investigation is ongoing.”

Meanwhile, police in the Ovwian-Aladja Division apprehended a suspected armed robber and seized an English Berretta pistol from him.

“On 22/4/24 at about 0300 hrs, a distress call was received at the Ovwian/Aladja Divisional Police Headquarters, that one Anthony Odumegwu, a 44 yrs male indigene of Ihiala, Anambra State, was arrested in an attempt to steal a Daylong Motorcycle with from one Mohammed Yusuf of Ekete Inland Waterside. Upon receipt of the information, the DPO Ovwian/Aladja, CSP Bulus Musa swiftly mobilized to the scene of the crime, and on a thorough search of the suspect and scene of the crime, an English Berreta Pistol without a magazine was recovered. The investigation is ongoing.”

CP Abaniwonda Olufemi stated that the command’s officers’ prompt and decisive action demonstrates their commitment to reducing criminal activity in the state and safeguarding its safety.

The commissioner also asks the public to never hesitate to contact the Control Rooms at 08036684974, 08125958005, and 09053872287 to report illegal activity or aid the police by providing credible information.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli