Police neutralise suspected kidnappers, recover arms in Delta 

The Delta State Police Command announced yesterday that it neutralised suspected kidnappers and recovered weapons following an operation along Ewheru-Patani Road in Ughelli Local Council Area.

The operation, carried out by the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) on October 28, 2024, reportedly turned violent when suspected criminals ambushed officers.

In the ensuing gunfire, two suspects sustained gunshot wounds, and police recovered a loaded Beretta pistol and an AK-47 rifle.

Police spokesperson Edafe Bright revealed that preliminary investigations linked the suspects to recent criminal activities, including terrorising the Warri-Sapele road, Masogar axis, and carrying out killings in Oghara and Ughelli. The injured suspects were transported to General Hospital Ughelli for medical treatment but were later confirmed dead.

Meanwhile, on November 4, 2024, CP-SAT, led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested five suspected cultists at various locations within the Oton community and Sapele town.

The suspects, aged between 25 and 34, were identified as members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.

Among them was Eremoje Dudun Oritsedere, alias ‘General,’ who is believed to have control of the gang’s AK-47 rifle. Police also recovered an abandoned operational Toyota Corolla with registration number KWL 635 BU and a Beretta pistol loaded with ammunition.

The Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, urged parents and guardians to discourage their children from engaging in cult-related activities. He also encouraged the public to report any suspicious persons or activities in their surroundings to the police.