Delta Police Command Arrest Robbers, Drug Suspect, Recover Stolen Vehicles Arms and Ammunition

By Diafa Doubra,

The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in the fight against crime in Ughelli and surrounding communities with the arrest of armed robbery suspects, recovery of stolen vehicles, firearms, and a large cache of illicit drugs.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, who spoke during a press briefing in Ughelli, assured residents that the creation of the new Ughelli Area Command has strengthened security operations in the region. He noted that the command will continue to clamp down on crime and ensure the safety of lives and property.

On August 26, operatives arrested members of a five-man robbery gang that attacked a resident of Agbarho/Otor and carted away his phones, laptops, television, and other valuables. One of the suspects, Faith Perry, was first arrested with a stolen phone and later led the police to her boyfriend, Kelly Otobure, from whom several stolen items were recovered. Their confession led to the arrest of the gang leader, Samson Ugbe, also known as “Big Man,” and four other accomplices. Police linked the gang to previous robberies at Niger Delta University, Oghara, and a warehouse in Oroye where over 180 bags of rice were stolen. Two stolen vehicles were also recovered.

Similarly, on August 25, a gang specializing in snatching motorcycles at gunpoint was intercepted. The suspects Henry Bernard, 35; Justice Ayero, 39; and Oho Ogbavwomera all of Aladja in Udu Local Government Area, were arrested after robbing a rider. Their arrest led to the recovery of a single-barrel gun and other dangerous tools from the residence of an accomplice, Oluwa Felix, in Owawha community.

In a separate operation on August 29, police raided a suspected drug den in Afisere, Ughelli, and arrested 52-year-old Egbule Isioma, described as a notorious dealer, alongside three of her apprentices. A search of her shop and residence uncovered 355 bottles of codeine, 57 rolls of 50mg tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol, 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, 540 sachets of swinol, and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis.

The police also recovered two stolen SUVs in another operation carried out on August 24. Acting on credible intelligence, officers arrested 35-year-old Igenebo John in a hotel along Effurun-Sapele Road while he attempted to sell a Lexus RX350 and a Mercedes-Benz GLK350 for ₦2 million each. Investigations revealed that the vehicles were stolen from a Sapele resident, Nathaniel Ugbebe, who was robbed in his home by a five-man gang on August 17. During the robbery, the victim lost several phones, laptops, wedding rings, and also had ₦1.9 million transferred from his account before the criminals escaped with his Lexus SUV.

Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, who released the statement, said the command is intensifying efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicates still on the run. He urged residents to provide timely information that could aid security operations.