The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in crime prevention and law enforcement across Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and Ekpan as part of its Ember Months operations aimed at ensuring safety during the yuletide season.
Addressing journalists in Ughelli, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, highlighted the command’s recent achievements under the directive of Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda. The CP’s mandate, “Deltans must sleep with their two eyes closed,” has driven an intensified effort to combat criminal activities statewide.
One of the notable successes was the arrest of a notorious kidnapper and armed robber by the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) on November 18. The suspect, apprehended in Mosogar town, led officers to a hideout where multiple firearms, including AK-47 and K2 rifles, automatic pump-action guns, and 101 rounds of ammunition, were recovered.
In Warri, a shootout with armed robbers near a hideout on Warri-Sapele Road resulted in the recovery of an English pump-action gun, smartphones, and a Rolex wristwatch. Two suspects, injured during the operation, died while receiving treatment.
The command also disrupted an illicit drug cartel in Sapele on November 13. A hidden warehouse was raided, leading to the arrest of several distributors and the recovery of codeine, tramadol, Indian hemp, and other prohibited drugs. A Toyota Camry used for drug distribution was also seized, while the prime suspect remains at large.
In a separate operation on November 11, police and local hunters rescued two boys kidnapped in Kokori-Samagidi bush. During the rescue, the kidnappers engaged officers in a gunfight, resulting in one suspect’s death and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles.
Another significant achievement was the arrest of a gang posing as transporters to rob unsuspecting passengers and club-goers. Three suspects were arrested after an extensive investigation revealed their involvement in stealing cash and high-value items, including iPhones.
Additionally, on November 24, CP-SAT operatives foiled a kidnapping operation in Ughelli, neutralizing two suspects during a gunfight. Firearms, including a pump-action gun and a Beretta pistol, were recovered from the scene.
Commissioner Abaniwonda commended the officers for their dedication and assured the public that the command remains committed to securing Delta State. SP Edafe emphasized that ongoing investigations and manhunts for fleeing suspects would continue, and the command is reviewing its strategies to ensure improved operations in the future.