The raids, carried out by different tactical squads between November 28 and December 1, 2025, led to the recovery of an AK‑47 rifle, locally fabricated weapons, dozens of live rounds, tricycles believed to have been stolen, as well as charms and other tools associated with criminal activity.
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed a suspected kidnapper in a shootout and arrested several others linked to armed robbery and cult activities during a series of operations.
The raids, carried out by different tactical squads between November 28 and December 1, 2025, led to the recovery of an AK‑47 rifle, locally fabricated weapons, dozens of live rounds, tricycles believed to have been stolen, as well as charms and other tools associated with criminal activity.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said in a statement on Tuesday that at about 2:30 a.m. on December 1, operatives of the State Anti‑Cult Unit (SACU), supported by community volunteers, stormed the Obiaruku forest following intelligence that a kidnap syndicate was mobilising for an attack.
According to the report, the suspects opened fire from multiple directions in an attempt to repel the advancing team.
Edafe said the officers returned “superior firepower,” killing one suspect on the spot while the rest escaped into the forest with bullet wounds.
Recovered from the encounter were one AK‑47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms believed to belong to fleeing suspects.
In a separate coordinated operation, the CP‑Special Assignment Team (CP‑SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested multiple suspects between November 28 and 29.
Around the Ekuigbo area of Ughelli, officers apprehended 42‑year‑old Kelvin Oke after intelligence linked him to a robbery cartel. A stolen tricycle was recovered from his possession.
Further raids led to the arrest of two additional suspects, 26‑year‑old Victor Oyaye, identified as the gang leader from Otor‑Ogor, and 31‑year‑old Monday Emakpo of Okpara community.
Another stolen tricycle and a locally made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges were seized.
CP‑SAT operatives extended the offensive into the Oghara–Sapele axis.
On November 29, at about 9:15 p.m., the team stormed the residence of 28‑year‑old Jeffery Saint in Ogharake, Oghara. The suspect attempted to flee but was subdued.
A search of the premises uncovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and 15 rounds of live ammunition, allegedly primed for use.
In another interception, the Eagle Net Special Squad, led by SP Danyaya Inusa, apprehended 28‑year‑old Ezekiel Edeya during a stop‑and‑search operation near the Northwest Filling Station by Mariam Babangida Junction on November 29.
Police said the suspect tried to escape but was caught after a brief chase. Officers recovered a red bag he attempted to discard, which contained a locally fabricated pistol, three live cartridges, an iron plier, and a screwdriver.
Edafe confirmed that investigations are ongoing and efforts are underway to track down other fleeing members of the criminal gangs.
He assured residents of sustained operations across the state to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult‑related violence, adding that the Delta State Command remains committed to making the state “hostile for criminals and safe for law‑abiding citizens.”