National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Chuk Peter, DELTA
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have ramped up their fight against criminal activity, leading to the neutralization of suspected kidnappers and the arrest of alleged cultists in two targeted operations.
These actions, spearheaded by the Special Assignment Team, saw the recovery of multiple firearms and suspected stolen vehicles.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, revealed the details in a statement made available to Daily Trust in Asaba. He said, “On October 28, 2024, our operatives stormed a notorious criminal hideout along the Ewheru-Patani Road in Ughelli Local Government Area. During the operation, the suspects ambushed our team, engaging them in a fierce gun battle.”
He added, “Two suspects sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the General Hospital, Ughelli, where they were later confirmed dead.”
SP Edafe further disclosed that an AK-47 rifle with six rounds of ammunition and a Beretta pistol loaded with two rounds were recovered from the scene. “These suspects are believed to have been behind violent attacks along Warri-Sapele Road and killings in Oghara and Ughelli. We’re continuing investigations to identify their network,” he stated.
In a separate operation on November 4, 2024, acting on credible intelligence, CP-SAT operatives raided areas in Oton and Sapele, leading to the arrest of five suspected cultists reportedly affiliated with the Supreme Vikings Confraternity. The arrested suspects were identified as Eremoje Dudun Oritsedere (known as “General”), Emmanuel Irhurhu, Godstime Jacob, Ighene Jeffrey, and Iboyi Gain.
According to SP Edafe, “These arrests were facilitated by confessions from a previously detained suspect involved in cult-related killings.” The police also recovered a Beretta pistol with four rounds and a Toyota Corolla suspected to be a stolen vehicle used by the gang.
The Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, called on parents and guardians to discourage their children from engaging in cultism and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. “Community collaboration is essential in our fight against crime,” he said, underscoring the command’s dedication to securing Delta State.
