By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
DELTA: By the end of the first quarter of 2025, the Delta State Police Command says it has struck a significant blow to criminal syndicates operating across the state, particularly in the Asaba-Ogwashi-Uku-Issele-Uku axis. In what has been described as one of the most successful anti-crime operations in recent times, the police neutralized several notorious kidnappers, recovered high-powered weapons, and intercepted arms trafficking attempts.
At a press briefing on April 16 in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, announced that a deadly kidnapping gang responsible for multiple high-profile abductions had been dismantled in a fierce gun duel.
“Our operatives have taken the battle to the hideouts of these criminals, and we are making it clear that Delta State is not a haven for kidnappers or armed robbers,” said CP Olufemi. “The death of the notorious gang leader, Abubakar Usman, also known as Shehu, and three of his lieutenants, marks a turning point in the fight against kidnapping in the state.”
Usman, who allegedly masterminded the abduction and murder of several victims, including a medical doctor, a realtor, and a man whose wife and daughter were later kidnapped, led the police to a forest hideout before raising alarm to alert his gang. The ensuing shootout left four suspects dead and led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition.
The command also made other significant arrests and arms seizures in various operations across the state and beyond.
On March 3, along the Warri/Benin Road, officers intercepted a 55-year-old gunrunner, Peter James, in a Toyota Camry with a modified trunk loaded with three AK-47 rifles and over 3,000 rounds of live ammunition. Similarly, another arrest on March 6 at the Asaba/Benin Expressway led to the seizure of seven pump-action guns and 1,600 cartridges hidden beneath bags of palm oil and garri.
In another breakthrough, the police arrested the youth president of Ekpan community, Victor Edavwe, on suspicion of arms possession. A raid on a residence connected to him uncovered an AK-47 rifle, a single-barrel gun, and over 40 rounds of ammunition.
The Command’s special squad also dismantled car-snatching syndicates and foiled more kidnapping operations. A total of eight stolen vehicles were recovered following the arrest of Collins Abo and his gang, with a Beretta pistol also seized.
Efforts to suppress banditry extended into Rivers and Kogi States, where CP-SAT operatives arrested multiple suspects linked to armed robbery and kidnapping. At least five suspected kidnappers were killed in Ughelli North LGA after a confrontation with police during an operation to recover hidden weapons in Iyamugo forest.
In Rivers State, another kidnapping suspect, Chedeye Mohammed, was arrested, leading to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. CP Olufemi revealed that this syndicate often operated in Delta but took refuge in Rivers State.
The command also intercepted firearms traffickers in Anyangba, Kogi State. Zakari Mohammed and three others were caught with an AK-47 rifle, pump-action gun, and a Beretta pistol. Back in Delta, 35-year-old Emu Lucky of Igbide community was arrested with 82 rounds of live ammunition linked to another suspect already in custody.
CP Olufemi praised the efforts of his officers and assured the public of the command’s resolve to maintain a proactive and intelligence-driven approach to policing.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of law-abiding citizens and call for even more support as we continue to push criminal elements out of Delta State,” he said.
He urged residents to report suspicious activity and reaffirmed that the command remains fully committed to ensuring safety across all communities in the state.