By Joelson Eboh
Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command have recorded significant breakthroughs in the fight against violent crime with the neutralization of suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, the arrest of cultists, and the recovery of sophisticated weapons and a suspected stolen motorcycle.
The operations, carried out under the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, took place across different parts of Delta State, particularly within the Ughelli axis and the Asaba/Okpanam/Ibusa/Ogwashi-Uku areas.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operations were part of intensified efforts to rid the State of criminal elements and ensure public safety.
“On May 27, 2025, at about 11:35 p.m., CP-SAT operatives led by ASP Robinson Julius were on covert patrol along the Ughelli-Patani Road when they intercepted a shuttle bus near Ewhereni Junction. The occupants, suspected to be kidnappers and armed robbers, opened fire on the officers in an attempt to evade arrest. This led to a fierce gun battle, during which three of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries. They were later rushed to the hospital but were confirmed dead while receiving treatment. The Police recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with eighteen rounds of live ammunition from the scene, while other suspects managed to escape.
“In a separate operation on May 24, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, the CP-SAT team arrested a notorious robbery suspect, Ifeanyi Okolie, popularly known as “Black Jesus,” a 38-year-old male from Nsukwa community in Aniocha South LGA, residing in Okpanam. Okolie led the police to a bush opposite Okpanam City Gate, where they recovered three locally made guns, four live cartridges, and a suspected stolen Q-Link motorcycle.
“Further investigations led to the arrest of three more suspects: Ogochukwu Emmanuel, 33, from Ebonyi State; Joseph Egwu, 42, also from Ebonyi; and Yakubu Yusuf, 28, from Nasarawa State, who was identified as the receiver of stolen items. In addition, a Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition was recovered from the residence of a suspect known as “Nino” in Ibusa, who is currently at large.
The Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda praised the Special Assignment Team for their “exemplary professionalism and commitment to duty.”
He stated, “These operations underscore our unwavering resolve to dismantle criminal syndicates and restore confidence among residents of Delta State.”
The CP also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the Command Control Room via the numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, or 08025666914.
SP Bright Edafe reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to sustain the momentum in its fight against crime, assuring citizens that the Delta State Police Command remains committed to securing lives and property across the State.