Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed a suspected kidnapper during a gun duel in the Obiaruku Forest and arrested several suspected cultists and armed robbery suspects in coordinated operations across the state.
The command also recovered an AK-47 rifle, two locally fabricated pistols, one locally made shotgun, 42 live ammunition, 51 cartridges, and two stolen tricycles.
Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, praised the gallantry of the officers and thanked community members for providing timely intelligence.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said in a statement on Tuesday that the encounter occurred around 2:30 a.m. on December 1, 2025.
He said operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), working with community volunteers, stormed the Obiaruku Forest after receiving intelligence that a kidnap gang was mobilising for an attack.
“As the team approached the area, the armed suspects opened fire from different directions. The operatives responded with superior firepower, resulting in the death of one suspect while others fled with injuries,” he said.
Read also:
- Delta Govt Donates Armoured Carriers to Police, Army
- Panic in Kwale over Herdsmen attack, as Police debunk rumour
- Scavengers steal pumping machine from Ughelli Police Station — Council boss raises alarm
Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms.
Edafe said the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, also recorded breakthroughs during operations carried out between November 28 and 29 in Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele.
He said the team first arrested Kelvin Oke, at the Ekuigbo axis of Ughelli and recovered a stolen tricycle in his possession.
Further operations led to the arrest of Victor Oyaye, identified as the gang leader from the Otor-Ogor community, and Monday Emakpo, of the Okpara community.
A second stolen tricycle and a locally made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges were also recovered.
On November 29, operatives stormed the Ogharake residence of Jeffery Saint, who attempted to flee but was arrested.
A search yielded a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition.
In another operation, officers of the Eagle Net Special Squad arrested Ezekiel Edeya, after he attempted to flee during a stop-and-search around the Northwest Filling Station by Maryam Babangida Junction in Asaba.
A red handbag he tried to discard was found to contain a locally fabricated pistol, three cartridges, an iron plier, and a screwdriver.
Edafe said all suspects are in custody as investigations continue.
