In a major offensive against organised crime, the Delta State Police Command has successfully dismantled multiple criminal networks operating across the state. The two-day coordinated operation, which took place on November 28 and 29, 2025, led to the arrest of several armed suspects and the recovery of a significant cache of illegal weapons and stolen property.
Targeted Raids in Ughelli Yield Key Arrests
Acting on what police described as credible intelligence, operatives from the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, launched targeted raids in the Ekuigbo area of Ughelli. The operation resulted in the interception of Kelvin Oke, 42, who is alleged to be a key figure in a theft syndicate. A stolen tricycle was recovered from him at the scene.
The police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed that the operation peeled back further layers of the criminal network. This led to the apprehension of two more suspects: Victor Oyaye, 26, from Otor-Ogor community, identified as the gang leader, and Monday Emakpo, 31, of Okpara community, residing in Agbara, Ughelli. From these arrests, officers recovered a second stolen tricycle and a locally made shotgun loaded with six live cartridges.
Oghara-Sapele Axis and Asaba Operations
On November 29, the CP-SAT extended its operations to the Oghara-Sapele axis. Officers stormed the residence of Jeffery Saint, 28, in Ogharake, Oghara. The suspect attempted to flee but was subdued after a brief struggle. A subsequent search of his home uncovered a locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol and 15 rounds of live ammunition, which police believe were concealed for imminent criminal use.
In a related but separate development, the Eagle Net Special Squad, under the leadership of SP Danyaya Inusa, recorded a breakthrough during a routine stop-and-search operation. The incident occurred near the Northwest Filling Station close to Mariam Babangida Junction along the busy Asaba–Benin Expressway.
What began as a standard check escalated when a suspect attempted to escape, leading to a foot chase. The police apprehended the individual, identified as Ezekiel Edeya, 28, from Emevo in Isoko North LGA. A red handbag he abandoned during the chase was found to contain a locally made pistol, three live cartridges, an iron plier, and a screwdriver.
Ongoing Investigations and Statewide Impact
All the arrested suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue. This sweeping crackdown across Ughelli, Oghara, Sapele, and Asaba highlights the scale of criminal networks that have been terrorising communities in Delta State. The recovery of sophisticated locally-made weapons points to a serious threat to public safety that the police are actively combating.
The successful operations by both the CP-SAT and the Eagle Net Special Squad demonstrate a concerted effort by the Delta State Police Command to leverage intelligence and coordinated action in the deepening fight against organised crime. The public has been urged to continue providing useful information to security agencies to aid in sustaining this momentum.
