Delta Police Command neutralizes armed robber, arrest suspected cultists, recovers ammunition

The Delta State Police Command has arrested suspected cultists/armed robbers, neutralized an armed robber and made a recovery of arms and ammunition.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe which read, “Acting on available intelligence, on 19/06/2024 at about 1530hrs, the special operatives deployed by CP Abaniwonda Olufemi to Ughelli led by ASP Julius Robinson stormed a criminal hideout in Sapele and effected the arrest of four suspects namely; Amechi Ichiagu “m” 25yrs of Ozalla Town in Nkanu West LGA Enugu State, Akpomiemie Larry ‘M” 32yrs of Jesse Community in Ethiope West LGA Delta State, Bright Ovie ‘m’ 36yrs of Ugbomaja Community in Ethiope West LGA Delta State, Ese Ogodo “m” 35yrs of Okpe community and recovered a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that apart from their involvements in cult related activities, they are suspected to be involved in house to house armed robbery. Investigation is ongoing.

The statement added; “Acting on credible intelligence related to incessant cases of armed robbery/kidnapping along Adjekota – Ogor Community axis of Ughelli North LGA of Delta State, at about 2347hrs of 20/06/2024, ASP Julius Robison and team on CPS’s special assignment in a sting operation stormed a criminal hideout along Ughelli – Patani  road by an abandoned filling station. The hoodlums on sighting the police opened fire on the team which was given a superior response by the police, in the ensuing gun duel, one of the hoodlums sustained serious gun shot injuries while others escaped.

“The injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he died while receiving treatment. Two Baretta pistol and five (5) rounds of live ammunition were recovered, manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.

The statement further said in another development, “Acting on credible information received from a concerned resident on the activities of suspected cultist in Nsukwa, on 17/06/2024 at about 2100hrs, operatives of the command’s Special Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) were deployed to Nsukwa where one Christian Bugwa ‘m’ 28yrs of Nsukwa village Delta State was arrested and one cut to size locally made single barrel gun, one live cartridge were recovered from him. Suspect stated that he is a member of Supreme Eiye Confraternity. Effort to arrest his other gang members is ongoing.”

Edafe noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda again reiterated the importance of partnering with the police in the fight against crime and criminality.

According to the CP, policing and security is everybody’s business, hence the need to provide useful, timely and credible information to the police cannot be over emphasized.

The CP also urged the youths to shun all form of cult related activities and crime as the command is able and willing to tackle and reduce crime to the barest minimum in the state.