Delta: Police arrest suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, recover arms

The Delta State Police Command has disclosed the arrest of 10 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and recovering arms in a series of sting operations. 

The apprehension of the suspect was contained in a press statement on Thursday by SP Bright Edafe, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO).

The statement stated that on 20 January 2026, at about 04:30 hours, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCC), acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated follow-up operation in connection with reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery across Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Ororokpe and surrounding communities.

It also added that the suspects were apprehended in various locations, including the Jedo/Ugboton-Warri axis and the Amai Community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

“The intelligence-led operation, which was executed along the Jedo/Ugboton–Warri axis, saw the operatives discreetly trail a suspect to a notorious criminal hideout allegedly operated by one Oke Jerry Ekokodjie (male) and one Ibori (surname unknown).

“Upon storming the location, the principal suspects, Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and Ibori, along with three (3) others, were successfully arrested, while some members of the gang fled through adjoining creeks and waterways.

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“A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of dangerous and incriminating exhibits, including one (1) AK-47 rifle with twelve (12) rounds of live ammunition, one (1) locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with three (3) rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one (1) Mercedes-Benz GLK (black in colour), one (1) battle axe, illicit substances in commercial quantity, and one (1) Point-of-Sale (POS) machine.

“The arrested suspects are currently in police custody undergoing further investigation, while sustained efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal syndicate,” the statement partly read.

Continuing, Edafe noted that on January 22, 2026, around 2:56 am, Police from Obiaruku Division raided a suspected cultists’ hideout in Amai Community, Ndokwa East LGA.

“During the operation, five (5) suspects were arrested. They include Frank Etiyemonu (male, 36 years), Chinedu Emeka (male, 25 years), Festus Nwadiche (male, 26 years), Azuju Onowu (male, 29 years), and Ozor Blessing (male, 29 years).

“A search conducted at the hideout led to the recovery of incriminating items, including one (1) locally made pistol, two (2) battle axes, quantities of Indian hemp and other suspected hard drugs, as well as other dangerous weapons,” the statement added.