Security operatives in Delta State have intensified their crackdown on violent crime, arresting no fewer than 10 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists in two major intelligence-led operations that exposed the growing nexus between organised crime, illicit drugs and informal financial networks.
The command’s spokesman, Bright Edafe, said operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCCS), acting on what he described as credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated follow-up operation in the early hours of January 20, 2026.
Edafe stated that the operation targeted a criminal syndicate linked to a spate of kidnappings and armed robberies across Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Ororokpe and adjoining communities.
The operation, executed around 4:30 a.m. along the Jedo/Ugboton–Warri axis, reportedly involved discreet surveillance that led detectives to a notorious hideout allegedly operated by one Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and another suspect identified simply as Ibori.
On storming the location, police arrested Ekokodjie, Ibori and three other suspects, while several members of the gang escaped through adjoining creeks and waterways—highlighting the logistical advantages criminals continue to enjoy in the riverine terrain of the state.
A search of the hideout yielded a cache of dangerous and incriminating items, including a locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol loaded with three rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a black Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle, a battle axe, large quantities of illicit substances suspected to be drugs, and a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine. He said the recovery of the POS device raises fresh concerns about how criminal gangs exploit informal banking platforms to move proceeds of crime and evade financial tracking.
Barely 48 hours later, at about 2:56 a.m. on January 22, police operatives from the Obiaruku Division carried out a separate targeted raid on a suspected cultists’ hideout in Amai Community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation: Frank Etiyemonu (36), Chinedu Emeka (25), Festus Nwadiche (26), Azuju Onowu (29) and Ozor Blessing (29).
Items recovered from the cult den included a locally made pistol, two battle axes, quantities of Indian hemp and other suspected hard drugs, as well as additional dangerous weapons.
Investigators believe the group may be linked to recent cult-related violence and drug distribution within the area. All the suspects have been cautioned and are currently in police custody, while investigations continue.
The police said sustained efforts are underway to track down the fleeing members of the kidnapping and robbery syndicate.
The guardian
