Delta State Police Command has arrested suspected kidnappers and cultists in different parts of the state, with the recovery of arms and ammunition including an AK-47 rifle, pump action guns, a Beretta pistol, and cult regalia.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, July 31, by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, the operation was carried out by the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) in collaboration with operatives from the X-Squad and Buffalo Patrol Teams, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.
The statement revealed that on July 27, 2025, at about 1:20 am, operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed a criminal hideout along Ibusa Road and arrested a notorious suspected kidnapper, one Chiadiji Collins, also known as “Smooth”, a 42-year-old male who has been on the police watchlist for a series of kidnapping activities in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, and Asaba.
Upon interrogation, the suspect led operatives to his residence in Ewulu community, Aniocha South Local Government Area, where a search was conducted. During the search, one AK-47 rifle and 40 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered.
Further investigation led to the arrest of another gang member, Ezechie Andrew, also from Ewulu, in possession of two pump action guns and two live cartridges. Both suspects are believed to be members of a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing parts of the state, including Ogwashi-Uku, Isseluku, and surrounding communities. They are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
In a separate operation, the Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrested three suspected cultists in Abraka, Ethiope East LGA.
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Acting on credible information, operatives on July 30, 2025, at about 6:30 am, raided a criminal hideout at Big Gate, Campus III, Abraka, where they apprehended Benjamin Okwufulueze (21), Augustine Ifeanyi (22), and Iruma Japheth (27).
A fabricated Beretta pistol with four live rounds of ammunition was recovered from the suspects, along with a black cap bearing the inscription of the Eiye confraternity and a battle axe.
The suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the Eiye cult group and are currently undergoing further interrogation.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism. He urged parents and guardians to keep close watch over their children and discourage them from engaging in cultism or other forms of criminality.
The CP also called on the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious individuals or movements in their communities to the nearest police formation.
