Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate operating across several communities in the state, recovering an AK-47 rifle, locally made firearms, ammunition, illicit drugs and a luxury vehicle.
The Trumpets gathered that the arrests followed a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCC) in the early hours of January 20, 2026.
The State Police Command spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrests and recoveries in a statement made available on Thursday.
The operation was triggered by credible intelligence linking the gang to multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Ororokpe and other neighbouring communities.
At about 4:30am, operatives discreetly trailed a suspect to a notorious criminal hideout along the Jedo/Ugboton–Warri axis. The hideout was allegedly operated by one Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and another suspect identified simply as Ibori.
Upon storming the location, police arrested Ekokodjie, Ibori and three other members of the syndicate, while several suspects reportedly escaped through adjoining creeks and waterways.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of live ammunition, a locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with three rounds of 9mm ammunition, a black Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle, a battle axe, large quantities of suspected illicit drugs and a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine believed to be used for criminal transactions.
All arrested suspects are currently in police custody and are undergoing further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang.
In a related development, police operatives from the Obiaruku Division also raided a suspected cultists’ hideout in Amai Community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, in the early hours of January 22, 2026.
Read also:
- Police arraign 11 suspects over murder of ARISE news Journalist, guard in Abuja
- Tension in Ebonyi–Benue border community as gunmen attack Fulani Herders, kill 30 Cows
- Governor Yusuf approves Hajj, House, welfare support for father of murdered Kano family, orders speedy trial
The raid, which took place at about 2:56am, resulted in the arrest of five suspected cult members identified as Frank Etiyemonu (36), Chinedu Emeka (25), Festus Nwadiche (26), Azuju Onowu (29) and Ozor Blessing (29).
Items recovered from the hideout include a locally made pistol, two battle axes, quantities of Indian hemp and other suspected hard drugs, as well as additional dangerous weapons.
The suspects are also being detained as investigations continue.
Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, commended the operatives for what he described as professionalism and effective deployment of actionable intelligence.
He reaffirmed the command’s determination to rid Delta State of criminal elements through sustained, proactive and intelligence-driven policing. The police boss also urged residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information, assuring that all informants would be protected.
