Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have recorded yet another major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and armed banditry, with the arrest of a notorious kidnap syndicate and the recovery of a ₦5 million ransom.
The operation, led by the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad under CSP Godwin Osadolor, was carried out in the early hours of Saturday, July 12, at a hideout in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Oshimili North Local Government Area.
According to the Command, the suspect, Sanusi Abdulahi, was found in possession of ₦5 million — part of a ransom paid by one of their victims.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the police confirmed that Abdulahi’s arrest was a product of intelligence-led investigation targeting a gang linked to a series of kidnappings across key locations, including Ibusa, Obulu-Okiti, Issele-Ukwu, Issele-Asagba, and, more recently, the abduction of a young lady in Ogwashi-Ukwu on July 9, 2025.
Following his arrest, Abdulahi led detectives to additional hideouts at Second Deputy and Oko in Asaba, where four other members of the gang were apprehended. All suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
“This syndicate has caused fear and suffering in communities across Delta North, but this operation has dealt a significant blow to their activities,” said PPRO SP Bright Edafe.
In a separate operation, operatives from the CP’s Special Assignment Team stormed a criminal hideout on July 9, located along the Patani-Ughelli Expressway near the Unenurhei axis.
The raid targeted a feared criminal gang led by individuals identified as Solomon Danisco a.k.a. “Picolo,” Nelson Jacob, Oruma Saturday, Olise Jude, Precious Urhobowin, and Whisky Rufus (alias “Asawana”), a native of Ewu community.
The police were met with fierce gunfire from the heavily armed suspects. In the ensuing gun duel, six gang members sustained serious gunshot wounds and were later confirmed dead at the hospital. Two others are still receiving treatment under police watch.
During the operation, the police recovered: four locally-made firearms, and nineteen (19) rounds of live cartridges.
“The resilience and bravery of our operatives in this high-risk operation is commendable. We will not relent until Delta State is safe for all residents,” Edafe stated.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community safety, the Delta State Police Command has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Citizens are encouraged to make use of the Command’s dedicated control room numbers for swift response to emergencies: 08036684974, 08114895600 and 08025666914
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustained intelligence gathering, proactive patrols, and inter-agency collaboration in combating criminality across the state.
“These successes underscore our zero-tolerance stance against violent crime. We are resolute in our mission to secure every community within Delta,” CP Abaniwonda said.
