From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against crime with the arrest of a notorious kidnapping gang, recovery of 247 rounds of live ammunition for a Submachine Gun, SMG, rifle, alongside the arrest of 184 suspected internet fraudsters in separate intelligence-led operations.
The operations were carried out following directives by the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, aimed at boosting intelligence-driven policing and ensuring the safety of residents.
The CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson arrested key members of a kidnap syndicate led by Owei Abebo, popularly known as “Adusa,” who has been on the command’s watchlist since 2021. Acting on intelligence reports about a planned abduction of high-profile individuals in Sapele and Oghara, operatives moved into action on July 19.
Peter Benson, 35, of Kwale, in Ndokwa Local Government Area and a suspected herbalist to the group, was first arrested. Following his interrogation, the team apprehended 63-year-old Joseph Saniyo in Ajakorama Community, Ovia South-West, Edo State. He was found with fetish items including three live tortoises believed to be used for criminal fortification.
Further intelligence led to the arrest of the gang leader, Owei Abebo, 42, in Oghara, along with Ebi Maye, 41, from Warri North and Happy Obegha, 39, of Ajakorama Community in Edo State. A search of their hideouts led to the recovery of 247 rounds of live ammunition meant for a SMG rifle.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were planning coordinated kidnappings in Sapele and Oghara before their arrest thwarted the operations.
In a separate coordinated crackdown against cybercrime, the police command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, raided a location at Post Housing Estate, Effurun, on July 21. The operation, which began at about 5:45pm, resulted in the arrest of Kelvin Odini, 33, and 183 others suspected to be involved in internet fraud and cyber-related offences.
Items recovered from the scene include 273 assorted laptops, 97 smartphones, one iPad, one table phone, nine laptop chargers and two Wi-Fi routers.
“All suspects and exhibits have been taken into custody and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of their operations and apprehend any accomplices,” the command stated.
Abaniwonda praised the gallantry and professionalism of the officers involved in the operations and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to public safety.
“These arrests and recoveries are a strong message to criminal elements that Delta State is not a place for their activities. We will continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and community engagement to ensure a safer Delta,” he said.
The command urged members of the public to continue to support the police with useful information that will aid in maintaining peace and security across the state.
