The Delta State Police Command has cracked down a four man kidnap and armed robbery gang responsible for terrorizing the Warri Sapele road in the State.
It also arrested a wanted criminal, Ojoko Ijoyoto, also known as Pikolo, alleged to be involved in the murder of the vice chairman of a youth body in Mosogar town alongside a policeman and had been on the police watchlist for over three years.
The Command’s Spokesman, SP Edafe Bright who briefed newsman on the latest breakthroughs in crime fighting in the state at the Ughelli Area Command, Ughelli, also disclosed that the police has recovered three AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifle, a pump-action gun, two fabricated Beretta pistols, a cut-to-size locally made gun, and nine rounds of live cartridges, along with a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
He added that the recoveries were from multiple operations targeting kidnapping and armed robbery syndicates in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and surrounding areas.
Edafe stated that most of the success came through the collaboration between the Commissioner of Police, CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by one ASP Julius Robinson deployed to the axis and the Divisional Police officers of the areas.
He said, “In one of the key operations on September 12, 2024, the police arrested four suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in Sapele. The suspects, identified as members of the Vikings confraternity, were found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and a Toyota Sienna vehicle used in their criminal activities. This group had been responsible for several kidnappings along the Warri-Sapele road, and their arrest marked a major breakthrough in the fight against crime in the region.
“In another operation, police officers from the special task force engaged a group of kidnappers in a fierce gun battle in Ogor forest on September 18, 2024. Two suspects were fatally wounded, and the police recovered a pump-action gun, a cut-to-size locally made gun, and nine rounds of live cartridges. This operation has significantly weakened the gang’s presence in the area, and we are continuing to pursue other members who managed to escape.
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“On October 5, 2024, the special task force also arrested a notorious fraudster and kidnapper, Timothy Ochuko, in Ughelli. During the investigation, officers recovered N500,000 from his bank account, the money was part of the ransom paid by a victim. An English made Beretta Pistol was also found in his possession. Ochuko’s arrest is a big step towards dismantling the kidnapping rings operating in Ughelli and its environs.”
Speaking further, Edafe also highlighted the arrest of one Oghenetega, an alleged notorious criminal involved in several cases of armed robbery and kidnapping in Sapele, adding that, it recovered an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, and a fabricated long gun from his residence in Sapele during a raid on September 17, 2024.
“One of the most significant arrests came on September 25, 2024, when the police apprehended Ojoko Ijoyoto, also known as Pikolo, who had been on the police watchlist for over three years. Pikolo was involved in the murder of the vice youth chairman of Mosogar town and a policeman. Officers recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of live ammunition from his residence. “Pikolo has been a key figure in violent criminal activities in the area, and his arrest brings relief to the people.
“On October 5, 2024, the police arrested Tunde Akingbenomo, a suspected cultist and armed robber. The task force recovered a locally made gun from his residence in Ethiope East LGA and two fabricated Beretta pistols from an uncompleted building nearby. The successful arrest of these criminals and the recovery of weapons is proof that the command’s strategy is working.”
The PPRO further urged the public to provide timely information to assist in ongoing investigations and ensure that the state remains safe, saying the police are committed to making sure that the people of Delta State feel safe in their homes and communities.
