THE Delta State Police Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs, including the killing of a suspected cultist during a gun duel. The command also foiled a planned kidnap operation, and the recovery of 11 firearms and 80 rounds of ammunition, as part of intensified raids across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, disclosed this during a press briefing in Asaba, where he said the achievements were recorded between January 8 and to date, following renewed directives to tactical commanders to dismantle criminal hideouts and black spots statewide.
“Our resolve is clear,” Adesola said. “While the Command will not tolerate criminality, we will also deal decisively with any erring officer who brings the Force into disrepute. The protection of lives and property remains our primary duty.”
Among the key operations highlighted was the death of a suspected cultist and armed robber during an exchange of gunfire with operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) in a bush at Ughelli on January 17. According to the Police Commissioner, the suspect sustained fatal gunshot injuries during
the encounter and later died in hospital, while a Beretta pistol and four rounds of live ammunition were recovered. Other fleeing suspects escaped with gunshot wounds, and manhunt operations are ongoing.
In another breakthrough, the Command said it foiled a planned kidnap operation on January 11 in Ughelli North Local Government Area after a covert operation led to the recovery of an FNC rifle and a pump-action gun with 32 live cartridges. Six suspected kidnappers fled the scene after engaging police operatives in a gun duel and abandoning their weapons.
The police also announced the arrest of a suspected cultist and armed robber, identified as Gift Ojulowo (30), at Hausa Market, Ubeji, after a locally fabricated gun and two live cartridges were found concealed on him. The suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity.
Further operations led to the arrest of suspected armed robbers in Isheagu with the recovery of a double-barreled gun and six live cartridges, as well as the arrest of a female drug suspect in Ogwashi-Uku with 100 wraps of weed suspected to be Loud.
The Command also recovered 36 bottles of Nitrous Oxide, popularly known as “laughing gas,” from a 43-year-old suspect during an intelligence-led operation, underscoring what the police described as a growing threat posed by illicit drug circulation.
On the rising incidence of violent crime linked to drug abuse, CP Adesola cited a tragic murder case in Ogwashi-Uku, where a 20-year-old man was allegedly stabbed to death by his brother while asleep.
He revealed that the Command has since ordered massive raids across the 25 local government areas of the state to dismantle drug cartels and curb substance abuse among youths.
According to police statistics released at the briefing, the Command arrested 11 murder suspects, 13 suspected cultists and one rape suspect, while also recovering one stolen vehicle within the review period.
The Commissioner assured residents of adequate security and thanked the Delta State Government for its continued support, while urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement in the fight against crime.
