Metro

Police Crack Down On Criminal Network In Delta Community, Recover AK-47

Published

5 months ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

The Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its ongoing offensive against armed criminal networks in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area, raising further alarm over the deepening sophistication of local cult and robbery syndicates.

In a statement on Thursday, the Command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the latest operation was carried out by the CP–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson, whose sustained raids continue to expose the scale of organised criminal activity festering in and around the community.

Edafe recalled that the development follows the 24 November arrest of confessed cultists and the recovery of a pump-action gun and other incriminating exhibits.

Building on intelligence gathered from that initial bust, CP-SAT operatives intensified surveillance and launched coordinated follow-up raids across strategic hotspots in Oghara on November 25, 2025.

The sweep led to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Justice Ikutu, 38, and Peter Okomeje, 55 — both allegedly linked to a widening criminal syndicate believed to be responsible for recent spikes in cult violence and armed robbery in the area.

According to him, a search conducted at the residence of another suspected gang member, identified as Peter Kome, led to the recovery of a loaded AK-47 rifle fitted with a double magazine and other exhibits investigators say point to a more entrenched and organised network than previously assumed.

“All suspects are currently in custody,” the Command said, adding that operatives are pursuing leads to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, praised the rapid response and tactical precision of the CP-SAT team but stressed that policing alone cannot dismantle the criminal ecosystem thriving in the region. He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing actionable information.

He said the latest arrests come amid rising public anxiety over recurrent cult clashes, armed robbery, and gang-related killings across several Delta communities. Even as investigations deepen, the Command says it remains resolute in restoring order in Oghara and preventing the town from becoming a haven for weapon-bearing criminal networks.

In other news, the Owelle of Onicha-Olona, Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, has demanded the withdrawal of a police statement linking him to the killing of three youths in the Okwe community near Asaba, Delta State.

The Delta State Police Command had announced a manhunt for Nkeweshe and others alleged to have led an armed group that attacked the community on November 24, resulting in the deaths of the youths.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed the killings and said the suspects were being sought in connection with the attack.

But reacting through his lawyer, Kelechi Nnadi, on Wednesday, Nkeweshe denied any involvement and described the police statement as false and damaging.

Nnadi said his client was not in Okwe or anywhere within Asaba on the day of the incident, explaining that Nkeweshe had left the city earlier that morning for medical attention in Umunede, where he stayed throughout the day.

Related Topics:#Police Delta Delta Police

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Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.