DELTA POLICE BUST NOTORIOUS KIDNAP SYNDICATE, RECOVER 247 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION; 184 SUSPECTED INTERNET FRAUDSTERS ARRESTED

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command have dismantled a notorious kidnap syndicate led by one Owei Abebo, popularly known as “Adusa”, who has been on the command’s watchlist since 2021.

Spokesperson for the command, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, revealing that 247 rounds of live ammunition for a Submachine Gun (SMG) rifle were recovered during the operation.

According to Edafe, the arrest followed a series of intelligence reports on planned abductions targeting high-profile individuals in Sapele, Oghara, and nearby communities. Acting on the directive of the State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, the CP-SAT team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, launched a strategic intelligence-led operation.

On July 19, operatives arrested Peter Benson, a 35-year-old suspect from Kwale in Ndokwa LGA, believed to be a spiritual herbalist providing ritual support to the gang. His interrogation led to the arrest of another key figure, Joseph Saniyo, aged 63, from Ajakorama Community in Edo State. Saniyo was found with three live tortoises and various fetish items used in criminal fortification rituals.

The police subsequently stormed Oghara, where they apprehended the gang leader, Owei Abebo, alongside two other members: Ebi Maye, 41, from Warri North LGA, and Happy Obegha, 39, from Ovia North-East LGA in Edo State.

“A search of the gang’s hideouts led to the recovery of 247 live SMG ammunition rounds,” Edafe said, adding that the suspects had planned a series of coordinated kidnappings across Delta State before their arrest thwarted the operation.

In a separate operation, the Delta Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, made a major breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime and suspected terrorism financing.

On July 21 at about 5:45 p.m., officers from the Ekpan Division and the Nigerian Army raided a location in Post Housing Estate, Effurun, acting on credible intelligence.

The joint operation resulted in the arrest of 184 suspects, including one Kelvin Odini, aged 33, alleged to be a ringleader. Recovered items included 273 assorted laptops, 97 smartphones, an iPad, a table phone, nine laptop chargers, and two Wi-Fi routers.

“All suspects and exhibits are in custody as investigations continue to uncover the full scope of their operations and trace other accomplices,” Edafe confirmed.

Commending the officers involved, CP Abaniwonda praised their professionalism and swift action. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-driven policing, community engagement, and making Delta State uninhabitable for criminal networks.

“These operations demonstrate our unwavering resolve to protect lives and property while upholding peace and order across the state,” the CP said.