By Augustine Ehikioya
Personnel of Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Command have arrested some suspected kidnappers and armed robbers.
It also recovered guns, ammunition and other items during the operation.
This was disclosed in a statement by SP. Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda that a case of kidnapping reported at Isiokolo Police station where one suspect was initially arrested should be transferred to operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) alongside one suspect, named, Augustine Ojanuware ‘m’. Operatives of CP-SAT, upon further investigation, the suspect confessed that he is a member of a kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate terrorising Ughelli, Warri, Agbarho, Sapele and their environs.
“On 28/6/2025, the suspect led operatives to Osubi Area of Warri and Ughelli town, where two (2) additional suspects, viz Precious Urhobowin ‘m’ 27yrs of Ewu Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State and one Julius Okpako ‘m’ 32yrs, a native of Oviri – Ogor Community in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State, who is a member and owner of a POS machine used in collecting ransom, were arrested respectively and another locally made gun with eight (8) rounds of live cartridges was recovered from them.”
The statement said that preliminary investigation revealed that suspects were responsible for the kidnap of a Pharmacist on 19/6/2015 in her residence in Ughelli and released after five (5) days upon payment of undisclosed sum of money and whose Lexus Jeep were abandoned along Isiokolo axis.
It added “And also the attempted kidnap of another male victim whose Toyota Corolla they robbed upon the failed attempt at Iyede Community on 28/4/2025.”
The statement said that suspects are in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
It said “Sequel to a series of complaints received from members of the public in Ughelli related to a syndicate that specialises in robbing unsuspecting passengers who board commercial tricycles.
“Acting on credible intelligence, on 28/6/2025 and 29/09/2025 operatives of CP – Special Assignment Team ( CP – SAT ) led by ASP Julius Robinson stormed Agbarho town and effected the arrest of Lucky Oghenerobor ‘m’ 37yrs a native of Olomoro Community in Isoko South LGA of Delta State, resident in Agbarho town who is the leader and owner of their operational tricycle, other suspects were also arrested within Ughelli town namely; Olamide Fagbaibe ‘m’ 24yrs a native of Akure in Ondo State and Umeh Akpan ‘m’ 37yrs a native of Eket in Akwa – Ibom State both resident in Ughelli town.
“Suspects confessed that they usually operate in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and environs. Recovered from them are sixteen (16) different kinds of suspected stolen phones.”
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the statement said has reiterated that the Command remains committed to the fight against crime and criminality.
He therefore called on residents and the good people of Delta State to always volunteer information that will aid the Police in crime fighting.
“Below are the commands’ dedicated control room phone numbers;
– 08036684974
– 08114895600
– 08025666914.”
