Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested suspected kidnappers and cultists in coordinated operations across the state.

Confirming the development, the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the team also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in separate sting operations from the suspects.

Edafe hinted that the operations were carried out on July 27, 2025, at about 1:20 a.m., by the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, in collaboration with the X-Squad and Buffalo Patrol Teams.

The Guardian learnt that one of the arrested notorious kidnap suspects, Chiadiji Collins alias “Smooth”, aged 42, who had long been on the police watchlist for multiple kidnapping activities in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, and Asaba, was apprehended at a criminal hideout along Ibusa Road.

Following his arrest, a search was conducted at his residence in Ewulu community, Aniocha South Local Government Area, where operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and 40 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

Further investigations led to the arrest of an accomplice, Ezechie Andrew, also of Ewulu community, in possession of two pump-action guns and two live cartridges.

According to the police image maker, both suspects are linked to a syndicate responsible for a spate of abductions in Ogwashi-Uku, Isseluku, and surrounding areas. The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

Edafe also confirmed a separate operation on July 30, 2025, at approximately 6:30 a.m., when operatives of the command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) raided a suspected cultists’ hideout near Big Gate, Campus III, in Abraka.

During the operation, three suspects, Benjamin Okwufulueze (21), Augustine Ifeanyi (22), and Iruma Japheth (27), were arrested with a fabricated Beretta pistol, four live ammunition, a black cap with the Eiye inscription, and a battle axe, all from the scene.

The suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye confraternity and are currently undergoing further interrogation.

Following the unprecedented success of the team, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the operatives for their swift actions and reiterated the command’s commitment to eradicating all forms of crime.

While urging parents and guardians to discourage their children and wards from engaging in cultism and criminality, the police boss advised residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the security agencies promptly.