Delta: Police arrest wanted kidnap suspect, recover arms

Operatives from the Delta State Police Command have made yet another breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected notorious kidnapper who has been on the command’s watch list.

The feat was achieved when the X-Squad and Buffalo Patrol Teams of the command stormed a suspected criminal hideout along Ibusa Road last Sunday and arrested the 42-year-old suspect, Chiadiji Collins, alias “Smooth,” who has allegedly been responsible for a series of kidnapping activities within the Ibusa/Ogwashi-Uku, Issele-Uku, and Asaba axis of the state.

Last week, the command also took into custody a kidnap kingpin, Owei Abebo, alias “Adusa,” who has been on its wanted list since 2021.

According to a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Thursday, the suspect, Chiadiji Collins, upon interrogation, led the operatives to his residence in Ewulu community, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, where a search warrant was executed. During the search, one AK-47 rifle and forty (40) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered.

The statement further disclosed that preliminary investigation also led to the arrest of one Ezechie Andrew of the same community, in whose possession two pump-action guns and two live cartridges were recovered.

Both suspects are said to be gang members suspected to be involved in a series of kidnappings in Ogwashi-Uku, Issele-Uku, and other parts of Delta State.

ALSO READ:FG commences reconstruction of collapsed Keffi flyover

In a related development, three members of the Eiye Confraternity have been arrested in the university town of Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, according to the police statement.

“On 30th of July 2025, at about 0630hrs, operatives of the Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), acting on credible information, stormed a criminal hideout at Big Gate, Campus III, Abraka, where one Benjamin Okwufulueze, 21 years; Augustine Ifeanyi, 22 years; and Iruma Japheth, 27 years; were arrested. One fabricated Beretta pistol with four live ammunition was recovered.

“Also recovered were one black cap with Eiye inscription and one battle axe. The suspects confessed to being members of Eiye Confraternity.

“They are all in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.”

Meanwhile, the State Police Commissioner, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has urged parents and guardians to discourage their children and wards from all forms of criminality and cult-related activities.

He also advised members of the public to contact the police and report any suspicious persons or movements in their environment.

TRIBUNEONLINE