Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested suspected kidnappers and cultists in separate operations, recovering a cache of arms, ammunition, and cult paraphernalia.

In the early hours of July 27, 2025, at about 1:20 a.m., the Command’s CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, in collaboration with the X-Squad and Buffalo Patrol teams, acted on credible intelligence to raid a suspected criminal hideout along Ibusa Road. The operation led to the arrest of a notorious suspected kidnapper, Chiadiji Collins, popularly known as “Smooth,” aged 42, who has been on the police watchlist for his involvement in numerous kidnappings around the Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, and Asaba axis.

Following his arrest, Collins led operatives to his residence in Ewulu community, Aniocha South Local Government Area, where a search was conducted. One AK-47 rifle and forty rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered. Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Ezechie Andrew, also of Ewulu community. He was found in possession of two pump-action guns and two live cartridges.

Both suspects are believed to be members of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for multiple abductions across Ogwashi-Uku, Isseluku, and other parts of Delta State. They are currently in custody as investigations continue.

In a separate operation on July 30, 2025, at approximately 6:30 a.m., operatives of the Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) raided a criminal hideout at Big Gate, Campus III, Abraka. During the raid, three suspected cultists—Benjamin Okwufulueze (21), Augustine Ifeanyi (22), and Iruma Japheth (27)—were apprehended. A fabricated Beretta pistol, four live ammunition, one black cap bearing the “Eiye” insignia, and a battle axe were recovered from the scene.

The suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye confraternity and remain in custody pending further investigation.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism. He urged parents and guardians to discourage their children from engaging in criminal and cult-related activities. He also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest police station.