Delta State Police have arrested suspected kidnappers and cultists in separate operations across the state, recovering various firearms and ammunition.
In the early hours of July 27, the Police Special Assignment Team, supported by the X-Squad and Buffalo Patrol units, raided a criminal hideout along Ibusa Road. They arrested 42-year-old Collins Chiadiji, known as “Smooth,” who was on the police watchlist for multiple kidnappings in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, and Asaba.
A search of Chiadiji’s residence in Ewulu community, Aniocha South Local Government Area, uncovered an AK-47 rifle and 40 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition. His accomplice, Andrew Ezechie, also from Ewulu, was found with two pump-action guns and live cartridges. Both suspects are believed to be part of a syndicate responsible for abductions in Ogwashi-Uku, Issele-Uku, and surrounding areas. They are currently in custody as investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members.
On July 30, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad raided a suspected cultist hideout near Big Gate, Campus III in Abraka. Three suspects—Benjamin Okwufulueze (21), Augustine Ifeanyi (22), and Iruma Japheth (27)—were arrested. Items seized included a fabricated Beretta pistol, live ammunition, a black cap bearing the Eiye Confraternity insignia, and a battle axe. The suspects admitted membership in the Eiye Confraternity and are undergoing further interrogation.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, praised the officers for their prompt actions and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to eradicating crime. He urged parents and guardians to discourage involvement in cultism and criminal activities and called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior to security agencies.
