Police operatives in Delta State have dismantled a suspected kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate, arresting 10 individuals in a coordinated dawn operation that followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The arrests, according to police sources, capped a series of targeted raids designed to curb violent crime across several riverine and urban communities that had recently recorded abductions and robberies.
Moreover, the operation was driven by actionable intelligence pointing to a network operating between Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka and Orerokpe, with spillover activities in nearby areas.
Detectives tracked movements and logistics before striking multiple locations simultaneously.
Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that officers trailed a suspect to a hideout allegedly linked to a notorious gang leader identified as Oke Jerry Ekokodjie, alongside another suspect known simply as Ibori.
“Once the location was confirmed, our teams moved in swiftly to prevent escape or resistance,” Edafe said.
“Five suspects were taken into custody at the scene, while others fled through surrounding creeks.”
Further operations along the Jeddo–Ughoton corridor near Warri led to additional arrests, bringing the total number of suspects apprehended to 10, police said.
During the raids, operatives recovered weapons and items believed to be linked to criminal operations.
These included locally fabricated pistols, live ammunition, a Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle, a battle axe, illicit drugs in large quantities and a Point-of-Sale machine suspected to have been used for illicit transactions.
Reacting to the breakthrough, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Aina Adesola, praised the officers for what he described as a decisive and intelligence-driven intervention.
“This operation sends a clear signal that criminal gangs will find no safe haven in Delta State,” Adesola said.
“We will continue to apply sustained pressure, using intelligence-led policing to dismantle networks that threaten public safety.”
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and establish possible links to other crime cells operating within the state.
Police authorities urged residents to continue sharing credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to long-term security.