The Delta State Police Command has successfully detained four individuals and confiscated seven guns, ten live cartridges, two stolen motorbikes, and suspected illicit drugs during targeted raids addressing cult-related violence and armed robbery in the Umunede and Ughelli areas. Law enforcement authorities confirmed that these coordinated operations underscore ongoing efforts to curb violent crime and rid communities of criminal elements.
According to SP Bright Edafe, the state police public relations officer, a local resident living in Umunede, located within the Ika North East Local Government Area, visited the Umunede Police Division on a Friday to report that a 30-year-old individual named Chibuike Ezeji had displayed a firearm and threatened to take his life. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, police operatives detained the primary suspect without delay.
What led to the subsequent arrests and weapons recovery?
In an official statement released on Saturday, SP Edafe explained that officers from the local division teamed up with members of the Umunede Civilian Anti-Cult Group to raid a property situated along the Umunede Expressway. The location belonged to a suspected cultist identified as Oscar Ignatius, where the initial complainant stated the primary suspect had been staying.
"Acting on the complaint, operatives of the Division, in collaboration with members of the Umunede Civilian Anti-Cult Group, proceeded to a residence along Umunede Expressway belonging to one Oscar Ignatius, a suspected cultist, where the alleged offender was reportedly residing," the police statement detailed.
This raid resulted in the apprehension of both Chibuike Ezeji and 22-year-old Ikenna Emeka. A thorough search of the property yielded a pump-action shotgun, a locally manufactured cut-to-size rifle, three locally made handguns, eight live cartridges, and quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis and methamphetamine. Authorities confirmed that the detained suspects remain in custody as active investigations continue.
How did the Ughelli operation unfold?
In a separate enforcement action, officers assigned to the Commissioner's Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) responded to multiple reports regarding armed motorcycle hijackings along Stadium Road, Saniko, and surrounding neighborhoods in Ughelli. Acting on intelligence, the tactical unit raided a suspected criminal hideout situated in the Ighrovie district of Ughelli.
This raid led to the capture of 22-year-old Peter Emobaye alongside 29-year- old James Emmanuel, while recovering a stolen Qlink motorcycle from the scene. Following initial questioning, the suspects cooperated with investigators, leading police to the residence of their alleged ringleader, known as Sunny, in Ufuoma town.
At this secondary location, operatives recovered an additional stolen Daylong motorcycle, a fabricated Beretta pistol, a locally built shotgun, and two live cartridges. The police reiterated that the suspects are currently detained while intensive manhunts are underway to track down the fleeing syndicate leader and remaining accomplices.