Police arrests ten suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, recovers arms

By Akpokona Omafuaire, UGHELLI

THE Delta State Police Command said its operatives have arrested ten suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and recover arms in series of sting operations.

This was contained in a press statement Thursday by SP Bright Edafe, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO.

He said that on 20 January 2026, at about 0430 hours, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCC), acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated follow-up operation in connection with reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery across Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Ororokpe and surrounding communities.

“The intelligence-led operation, which was executed along the Jedo/Ugboton–Warri axis, saw the operatives discreetly trail a suspect to a notorious criminal hideout allegedly operated by one Oke Jerry Ekokodjie (male) and one Ibori (surname unknown).

“Upon storming the location, the principal suspects, Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and Ibori, along with three (3) others, were successfully arrested, while some members of the gang fled through adjoining creeks and waterways.

“A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of dangerous and incriminating exhibits, including one (1) AK-47 rifle with twelve (12) rounds of live ammunition, one (1) locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with three (3) rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one (1) Mercedes-Benz GLK (black in colour), one (1) battle axe, illicit substances in commercial quantity, and one (1) Point-of-Sale (POS) machine.

“The arrested suspect are currently in police custody undergoing further investigation, while sustained efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.” It added.

Edafe further added that on 22 January 2026, at about 0256 hours, a team of police operatives from Obiaruku Division carried out a targeted raid on a suspected cultists’ hideout at Amai Community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

“During the operation, five (5) suspects were arrested. They include: Frank Etiyemonu (male, 36 years), Chinedu Emeka (male, 25 years), Festus Nwadiche (male, 26 years), Azuju Onowu (male, 29 years), and Ozor Blessing (male, 29 years).

“A search conducted at the hideout led to the recovery of incriminating items, including one (1) locally made pistol, two (2) battle axes, quantities of Indian hemp and other suspected hard drugs, as well as other dangerous weapons.” It stated.

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