The Delta State Police Command has commenced a crackdown on criminal gangs in Ughelli North Local Government Area and Asaba, the state capital.
The command said its Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) shot dead an armed bandit following a fierce gun duel, along the Evwreni axis in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
It added that the operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during the operation, revealing that the operation was executed under the directive of the state Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, targeting criminal syndicates involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult activities.
A statement released by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the incident occurred when CP-SAT operatives flagged down a mini-bus at Evwreni Junction, along the Ughelli/Patani Road during a tactical stop-and-search.
“During the operation, one of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries and later died from the wounds,” Edafe disclosed, adding that an AK-47 rifle and rounds of ammunition were recovered from the scene.
“The CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command, established and deployed by CP Olufemi Abaniwonda to Ughelli axis has recorded notable breakthroughs in the ongoing campaign against violent crime.
“In two meticulously coordinated operations, the team arrested suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists, while recovering firearms, ammunition, and other illicit weapons, reinforcing the command’s unwavering dedication to upholding public safety and order.”
Abaniwonda commended the CP-SAT operatives for their professionalism, noting that their efforts are a clear demonstration of the command’s commitment to flushing out criminal elements from the state.
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In a separate operation on May 24, 2025, around 8:45 am, CP-SAT operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested one Ifeanyi Okolie, also known as ‘Black Jesus’, a 38-year-old native of Nsukwa in Aniocha South Local Government Area, at Okpanam, Asaba.
“Upon interrogation, he led operatives to a bush opposite Okpanam City Gate, where three locally made guns, four live cartridges, and a suspected stolen Q-LINK motorcycle were recovered,” Edafe stated.
The team subsequently arrested three additional suspects, Ogochukwu Emmanuel (33), Joseph Egwu (42), and Yakubu Yusuf (28), all linked to a robbery syndicate operating across Asaba, Okpanam, Ibusa, and Ogwashi-Uku.
Further investigations led to the discovery of a Beretta pistol loaded with five live rounds at the residence of a suspect identified simply as ‘Nino’ in Ibusa, who is currently at large.
These operations mark another milestone in the state’s security campaign, showcasing the state police command’s strategic use of intelligence and rapid-response teams in tackling high-risk crime zones.
