By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
In a sweeping crackdown on violent crimes, the Delta State Police Command has dismantled a notorious interstate kidnap syndicate and arrested multiple suspects linked to armed robbery and cultism. The operations, led by Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi, also led to the recovery of a significant cache of firearms and ammunition across different parts of Delta and Rivers States.
According to the command, one of the major breakthroughs occurred on May 16 when operatives of the CP’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) trailed and arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Idirisu Yakubu, in the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Yakubu’s confession reportedly led to the arrest of the syndicate’s leader, Bello Amodu, a 40-year-old man from Sokoto State also residing in Port Harcourt.
Further investigation extended to the Oil Mill area of Port Harcourt, where another key member, 38-year-old Umar Mohammed Beto from Kebbi State, was arrested. Police say Beto coordinated the syndicate’s Enugu axis.
“Following their confession, our operatives were led to a bush along the Ughelli–Ozoro Road where an AK-47 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of live ammunition and a pump-action shotgun with seven cartridges were recovered,” said Police Spokesman SP Bright Edafe.
In a separate intelligence-led operation in Warri South Local Government Area, operatives of the Eagle Net Surveillance Team arrested a 53-year-old man, Benjamin Benemor, suspected of kidnapping and armed robbery. A search of his residence reportedly uncovered an English Beretta pistol with a magazine, multiple shotguns—both locally fabricated and English-made—as well as a battle axe and 15 live cartridges.
On May 15, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) also intercepted a Jetta vehicle along the Asaba-Benin Expressway. Two suspects, Blessing Ngbajime (49) and Okpako Oghenhovo (27), were arrested. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol from Oghenhovo.
Commending his men, CP Abaniwonda stated, “These successes are proof that our commitment to ridding Delta State of criminal elements is yielding results. We will not relent in our duty to safeguard lives and property.”
He also urged residents to remain alert and provide actionable information to the police, stressing that public support is crucial in the ongoing war against insecurity in the state.
The suspects, according to the police, are currently undergoing profiling and further investigation.