By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Delta State Police Command has foiled a major kidnapping plot, dismantled a notorious gang, and arrested 184 suspected internet fraudsters in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
Spokesman of the command, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement on Thursday, said the operation followed the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, to intensify proactive and intelligence-driven policing across the state.
On July 19, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team led by ASP Julius Robinson arrested a key suspect, Peter Benson, 35, of Kwale in Ndokwa West Local Government Area. Benson, said to be the gang’s ritualist, reportedly confessed during interrogation and led the team to Joseph Saniyo, 63, from Ajakorama in Ovia South-West, Edo State, who was found with three live tortoises and other fetish items allegedly used for criminal fortification.
The operatives later stormed Oghara and arrested the gang leader, Owei Abebo, also known as “Adusa,” aged 42. Two of his associates, Ebi Maye, 41, from Poloborbor in Warri North LGA and Happy Obegha, 39, from Aakoroma in Ovia North-East, Edo State, were also arrested.
The police recovered 247 rounds of live ammunition for a Submachine Gun (SMG) rifle from their hideout. Preliminary findings showed the gang had planned coordinated kidnappings in Sapele and Oghara, which were foiled by the operation.
In another breakthrough, the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, arrested 184 suspects involved in internet fraud and suspected terrorism financing activities.
The raid took place on July 21 at about 5:45 p.m. at Post Housing Estate, Effurun. The suspects include one Kelvin Odini, aged 33, and 183 others.
Items recovered include 273 assorted laptops, 97 smartphones, one iPad, one table phone, nine laptop chargers, and two Wi-Fi routers.
“All suspects and exhibits are currently in custody as investigations continue to track down other accomplices,” Edafe said.
Commending the operatives, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi applauded their professionalism, courage, and swift intelligence response. He assured residents that the command would continue to make the state uninhabitable for criminals.
“Our officers will intensify surveillance, intelligence operations, and community engagement to rid Delta of criminal elements threatening peace and development,” the CP stated.