In a major breakthrough against criminal activity in Delta State, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad have arrested five suspected kidnappers and recovered ₦5 million in ransom money from a gang operating in the Ogwashi-Uku forest region of Oshimili North Local Government Area.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Tuesday in Warri, the operation was led by CSP Godwin Osadolor. The raid took place in the early hours of July 12, 2025, at around 6:30 a.m., following credible intelligence on the syndicate’s hideout.
One of the suspects, identified as Sanusi Abdulahi, was apprehended at the scene with ₦5 million in cash, reportedly part of a ransom payment obtained from a recent abduction. Subsequent investigations led police to other locations in Second Deputy and Oko areas of Asaba, where four additional gang members were arrested.
SP Edafe noted that the suspects were connected to a string of kidnappings across communities including Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Obulu-Okiti, Isele-Ukwu, and Isele-Asagba, with their most recent operation involving the abduction of a young woman in Ogwashi-Uku on July 9, 2025.
In a separate development, the CP-Special Assignment Team carried out a raid on July 9 along the Patani-Ughelli Expressway, targeting the notorious hideout of suspected criminals identified as Solomon Danisco (aka Picolo), Nelson Jacob, Oruma Saturday, Olise Jude, Precious Urhobowin, and Whisky Rufus (aka Asawana), a native of Ewu community.
During the raid, the suspects reportedly engaged operatives in a fierce gun battle, resulting in serious injuries. Six suspects were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital, while two others are receiving treatment under police custody.
Recovered from the scene were four locally made firearms and 19 live cartridges, indicating the gang’s readiness for violent confrontations.
The Delta State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating kidnapping and violent crimes from the state and urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperative. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity using the Command’s emergency control room numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.
