In an ongoing effort to combat the activities of kidnappers, armed robbers, and motorcycle thieves, the Delta State Police Command has achieved significant success in recent operations.
Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Wale Abass, the Command has intensified its proactive policing strategies to ensure the safety and security of residents and investors in the state.
The following key achievements have been made in the fight against crime:
On May 15, 2023, a victim, whose identity has been withheld, reported a harrowing incident of being abducted alongside his wife by suspected kidnappers. The couple was forcibly taken to an undisclosed location, where their bank accounts were drained through fraudulent transfers. Remarkably, this incident mirrored a similar case reported on April 7, 2023. Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ovwian Aladja, CSP Aliyu Shaba, deployed a team of detectives to conduct a discreet investigation. Following meticulous intelligence gathering, the detectives arrested a Point of Sale (POS) operator whose account the criminals utilized for their illicit transactions.
The POS operator cooperated with the police, leading to the arrest of the gang leader, Adim Lucky Onweiyali, aged 33, on June 1, 2023. Subsequently, the police recovered a locally made gun and three live cartridges from the gang leader’s associates. The suspects are now in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.
During a routine stop and search operation on June 3, 2023, police officers at Ekpan Police Station intercepted a tricycle carrying four individuals. One of the passengers managed to escape, but a subsequent search of the tricycle led to the discovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun and four live cartridges. Two of the suspects, identified as Ogheneovo Abdnego, aged 17, and Chidi Okpanachi, aged 31, were apprehended. They claimed the firearm belonged to their escaped companion.
The investigation is currently underway to trace and apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Elsewhere, on June 2, 2023, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ozoro Police Division received a distress call from a victim whose motorcycle had been stolen previously. The victim reported sighting his stolen motorcycle at a filling station in Ozoro. Acting promptly, police operatives mobilized and arrested Chibuike Ochula, aged 30, and Izuchi Uzochi, aged 20, while also recovering the stolen motorcycle.
Further leads provided by the suspects led to the recovery of three additional stolen motorcycles in Kwale. The arrested individuals are in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.
Commending the officers and men of the command for their unwavering commitment to fighting crime, CP Wale Abass urged residents of Delta State to place their trust in the police and promptly report any suspicious activities.
The Commissioner also acknowledged the bravery of the victims in the kidnapping syndicate case for their trust in the police and their willingness to come forward and report the crimes.
The Delta State Police Command remains resolute in its dedication to creating a safe and secure environment for all residents and investors, ensuring that they can go about their daily activities without fear.