Delta State Police Crack Down on Kidnapping Syndicate in Ughelli

Delta State Commissioner for Police, CP Abaniwona Olufemi,

In response to the alarming rise in kidnappings in the Ughelli area, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police for Delta State, CP Abaniwona Olufemi, has initiated significant changes in the region’s security architecture. Upon his assumption of duty as the 22nd Commissioner of Police, Olufemi deployed a new Divisional Police Officer to the Ughelli Division and directed the deployment of a special operations team led by ASP Julius Robinson with the explicit mandate to eradicate kidnapping activities in the area.

This decisive action has already yielded positive results. Acting on comprehensive intelligence, the special operations team successfully dismantled a four-member kidnapping syndicate responsible for the abduction and subsequent murder of a male victim on May 17, 2024, in the Adjakota area of Ughelli South LGA. On July 1, 2024, at approximately 12:00 PM, the team apprehended Ismaila Umaru, 28, from Kekura Village in Nasarawa State, who resided in Oghara town, Delta State.

Further investigations led to the arrest of two additional gang members on July 4, 2024. Chede Mohammed, 18, a native of Nasarawa State residing in Agwara, Ughelli South LGA, and Mohammadu Sani, 26, originally from Banbiru, Abuja, residing in Upper Agbarho, Ughelli North, were taken into custody. During a subsequent operation on July 5, 2024, the team encountered resistance from other gang members in a bush near Oviri-Ogor. One suspect sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation and later died in the hospital. An AK-49 rifle was recovered from the hideout, and investigations are ongoing.

The proactive measures taken by CP Olufemi and the relentless efforts of the special operations team underscore the commitment of the Delta State Police to restore safety and security in the Ughelli area. These actions highlight the importance of strategic intelligence and robust law enforcement in combating criminal activities and ensuring the protection of residents.