Police Neutralize Suspected Kidnapper, Arrest Cultists, Recover Arms In Delta
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
Police operatives in Delta State have eliminated a suspected kidnapper and arrested four other suspects for their involvement in cultism-related activities and armed robbery.
The Delta State Police Command’s spokesperson, Edafe Bright, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
He said that operatives of the command, acting on available intelligence on Wednesday, 19 June, were deployed by the Delta State Police chief, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi to Ughelli, where they stormed a criminal hideout in Sapele, and arrested four suspects: Amechi Ichiagu, Akpomiemie Larry, Bright Ovie and Ese Ogodo.
Preliminary investigation, According to the police PRO, revealed that apart from their involvements in cult related activities, they were suspected to be involved in house to house armed robbery. A locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered from the suspects as investigation is ongoing.
Similarly, on Thursday 20th June, operatives, upon receipt of credible intelligence regarding incessant cases of armed robbery and kidnapping along Adjekota – Ogor Communities axis of Ughelli North LGA of Delta State, and led by ASP Julius Robison, carried out a sting operation on a criminal hideout along Ughelli – Patani road, near an abandoned fuelling station.
Upon sighting the police, the hoodlums opened fire, leading to a gun duel. They were however overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the police. 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 pistols and 5 rounds of live ammunition were recovered, while a manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.
Furthermore, operatives of the command’s Special Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) were deployed to Nsukwa, after receiving credible information from a concerned resident on the activities of a suspected cultist in the area.
The operatives arrested one Christian Bugwa, from whom 1 cut-to- size locally made single barrel gun and 1 live cartridge were recovered. The suspect stated that he is a member of Supreme Eiye Confraternity, and effort to arrest his other gang members is ongoing.
While reiterating the importance of partnering with the Police in the fight against crime and criminality, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, noted that policing and security is everybody’s business, hence the need to provide useful, timely and credible information to the police cannot be overemphasized.
He also urged youth to shun all forms 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.
