In a decisive operation aimed at curbing criminal activities in Delta State, the Nigerian Police Force, Delta State Command, reported the death of two suspected kidnappers responsible for terrorizing Warri-Sapele road and other communities. The suspects reportedly engaged the police in a gun duel on October 28, 2024, around 7:48 pm along the Ewheru-Patani Road in Ughelli Local Government Area.
According to Edafe Bright, spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, a special team, the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), launched a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in the area. The operation took a dangerous turn when officers were ambushed by the alleged kidnappers. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, two of the suspects sustained serious gunshot wounds. Authorities recovered a Beretta pistol loaded with two rounds of live ammunition and an AK-47 rifle with six rounds of live ammunition from the suspects. The injured suspects were transported to General Hospital Ughelli, where they were later pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Preliminary investigations indicate that these individuals had been actively involved in several violent incidents, including kidnappings and killings across Warri-Sapele road, Masogar, Oghara, and Ughelli.
In a related development, acting on credible intelligence, CP-SAT operatives, led by ASP Julius Robinson, conducted further raids on November 4, 2024, between 3:00 am and 5:30 am. The operations, held across Oton community and Sapele town, resulted in the arrest of five individuals suspected to be members of the notorious Supreme Vikings Confraternity. The arrested suspects include Eremoje Dudun Oritsedere, also known as "General," a 34-year-old man from Deghele community, and Emmanuel Irhurhu, a 29-year-old from Oton community in Sapele, among others.
The arrests were reportedly facilitated by confessions from an earlier detainee, Philip Okunumah, alias "G3," a 28-year-old resident of Jesse in Ethiope West LGA. Okunumah had admitted involvement in several cult-related killings, leading to the recovery of an abandoned Toyota Corolla with registration number KWL 635 BU and a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to discourage youth involvement in cultism and other criminal activities. He also advised the public to report suspicious persons or activities to law enforcement to aid in maintaining safety and security across the state.
Investigation into these incidents is ongoing, as the police continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks threatening peace in Delta State communities.
