Police Crack Down on Notorious Criminal Network
The Delta State Police Command has successfully dismantled a dangerous armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate that had been terrorizing residents along the Asaba/Benin expressway and surrounding communities. Police spokesperson Bright Edafe confirmed the breakthrough operation that led to multiple arrests and significant evidence recovery.
Dramatic Morning Confrontation
The operation began on November 23, 2025, around 6:30am when police received a distress call about an active robbery near the Dustbin/Mango Tree area of the Asaba/Benin Expressway. SP Danyaya Inusa, Commander of the Eagle Net Special Squad, immediately mobilized surveillance teams who joined forces with the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service under DSP Abu Joshua.
What started as a rescue mission quickly turned into a violent confrontation when the armed criminals ambushed security operatives with sporadic gunfire. The police team responded with controlled precision, eventually overpowering the suspects and forcing them to flee the scene.
Hot Pursuit and Evidence Recovery
A determined chase led to the arrest of three suspects: Oghenemaro Martins, 25; Tarebi Miracle Ogbada, 22; and Okorie James Kalu, 19. During the pursuit, the fleeing suspects abandoned a black bag that proved crucial to the investigation.
Inside the bag, police discovered substantial evidence including:
- An English-made Beretta pistol
- A locally fabricated pistol
- Four live 9mm ammunition rounds
- An HP laptop
- Multiple mobile phones
- A PS5 game console
- Various jewelry items
These items have been linked to previous robbery victims in the Okpanam/Asaba axis, establishing clear connections to multiple violent attacks under investigation.
Expanded Crackdown on Cult Activities
In a separate operation just 24 hours later on November 24, 2025, police intensified their security sweep by targeting cult activities in Sapele and Oghara. Acting on credible intelligence, the CP-Special Assignment Team led by ASP Julius Robinson conducted coordinated raids around 5:30am.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspected members of the Aye confraternity: Miracle Umukoro, 52; Mudiaga Ukavwe, 31; and Solomon Oghoro (alias Spartan), 30. Police recovered a pump-action gun, six live cartridges, a cutlass, and a Toyota Sienna minivan with registration number LSR 621 JW that was allegedly used for surveillance and operational movements.
All arrested suspects remain in police custody while investigators continue profiling their criminal networks and potential involvement in additional kidnappings and crimes reported along the expressway corridor.
