Delta Police Smash Kidnap Gang, Cultist Hideouts

In a significant blow to organized crime in Delta State, the Police Command has announced the arrest of ten suspects linked to high-profile kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism. The breakthroughs, which occurred between January 20 and 22, 2026, also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and a luxury vehicle.

​Raid on Kidnap Syndicate

​Following weeks of “discreet trailing,” operatives from the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCCS) neutralized a notorious syndicate operating across the Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, and Ororokpe axis.

​Acting on a tip-off, officers stormed a hideout along the Jedo/Ugboton–Warri area in the early hours of Tuesday. The primary suspect, identified as Oke Jerry Ekokodjie, was apprehended alongside four other accomplices. While some gang members escaped through nearby creeks, the police successfully recovered:

• ​One black Mercedes-Benz GLK.
• ​A locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with live 9mm ammunition.
• ​A Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, suspected to be used for collecting ransoms or stolen funds.
• ​A battle axe and commercial quantities of illicit drugs.

​Cultist Hideout Neutralized in Amai

​In a separate pre-dawn operation on Thursday, January 22, officers from the Obiaruku Division raided a suspected cultist assembly in Amai Community, Ndokwa East LGA.

​Five suspects, aged between 25 and 36, were taken into custody. The individuals—identified as Frank Etiyemonu, Chinedu Emeka, Festus Nwadiche, Azuju Onowu, and Ozor Blessing—were found in possession of a locally made pistol, two battle axes, and a significant haul of Indian hemp.

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​Commissioner’s Statement

​The Commissioner of Police for Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, lauded the professionalism of the units involved. He emphasized that the Command is shifting toward more proactive, intelligence-led policing to “suffocate” criminal elements before they strike.

​”The Command remains unwavering in its resolve to rid Delta State of criminal elements,” CP Adesola stated. “We urge residents to remain our eyes and ears on the ground, as timely information is the greatest weapon we have against insecurity.”

​The ten suspects are currently undergoing interrogation at the State Command in Asaba, while a manhunt is underway for the suspects who fled into the Delta waterways.