The Delta State Police Command’s CP Special Assignment team has dismantled a criminal hideout linked to a gang of suspected kidnappers and armed robbers who have been terrorizing residents in the Abraka, Obiaruku, and Umutu areas.
In a statement released in Warri on Friday, the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, revealed that the breakthrough followed intelligence-driven investigations after the arrest of some suspected kidnappers on January 30, 2025.
The statement detailed how operatives, led by ASP Julius Robinson, raided the hideout on February 2, 2025, at about 4:35 p.m.
The operation targeted the home of a fleeing gang leader known as Emeka (surname unknown) at Evwokenren Layout, off Ughelli Road, Agbarho, in Ughelli North LGA.
“During the raid, a fabricated semi-automatic Beretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition, four locally made cut-to-size guns, 13 rounds of live cartridges, and a pair of military uniforms concealed in a black polythene bag were recovered,” Edafe confirmed.
The police spokesman added that while one suspect is already in custody, efforts are underway to track down the remaining gang members.
Suspects Caught with Weapons on Agbor-Benin Expressway
In a separate incident on February 19, 2025, at about 4:00 p.m., officers of the Safer 025 unit of the Safer Highway Patrol arrested three suspects during a routine stop-and-search on a commercial vehicle along the Agbor-Benin expressway.
The individuals—Buhari Bala (28), Habibu Sale (25), Abdulwahab Musa (20), and Taisu Bala (20)—were found in possession of three locally made long guns and charms.
During interrogation, the suspects, all male, claimed they were traveling from Zaria in Kaduna State to a bush near Benin, known as Igbogri Community, for a hunting trip.
According to Edafe, the suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
Firearms Discovered in Agbarho
Earlier, on January 17, 2025, the police received a tip-off leading to a raid on the residence of one Eriga Enyuche, a 40-year-old suspect.
The Divisional Police Officer of Agbarho Division, CSP Pius Eredei, led the operation. A search of Enyuche’s one-room apartment resulted in the discovery of a G-3 rifle and a pump-action gun hidden in the ceiling.
The case remains under investigation.
CP Vows to Keep Delta State Unsafe for Criminals
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, reiterated his commitment to fighting crime, warning criminals that the state will remain hostile to their activities.
“Delta State will remain hot for criminals,” he declared.
He urged residents to support the police by providing useful and credible information, either at the nearest station or through the Command’s Control Room numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.
