By Nwaneri Uche
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has raised serious concerns over the growing involvement of residents in kidnapping cases across the state. Speaking at the command’s headquarters in Asaba on Tuesday, the Commissioner provided a comprehensive update on the command’s performance for July 2025.
The Commissioner emphasised that despite the command’s aggressive, intelligence-driven operations and community policing strategies, Delta State continues to be a hub for criminal activities.
On July 30, 2025, members of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad conducted an intelligence-driven operation in coordination with personnel from the 63 Brigade Nigerian Army. The joint operation led to the capture of suspected kidnappers responsible for the abduction of two female polytechnic students in Asagba Ogwashi on July 23, 2025. Two suspected kidnappers were killed in a gunfight. In addition, an AK-47 firearm, 31 rounds of live ammunition, and a bag containing three million naira, suspected to be ransom money, were recovered.
Additionally, members of the CP-Special Assignment Team carried out a planned intelligence-led operation in response to reports that a notorious kidnapping syndicate, led by Owei Abebo (aka “Adusa”), was plotting to abduct high-profile individuals in Sapele, Oghara, and surrounding areas. On July 19, 2025, operatives arrested Peter Benson, a 35-year-old herbalist who allegedly coordinated the criminal gang’s ritual preparations.
Following intensive interrogation, Benson led investigators to Joseph Saniyo, a 63-year-old man from Ajakorama Community in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State. He was found in possession of three live tortoises and other fetish items believed to be used for illegal fortification rituals. Further investigations led to the arrest of Happy Obegha, Ebi Maye, and the gang leader, Owei Abebo (“Adusa”), in Oghara. 27 rounds of SMG live ammunition were recovered.
The Commissioner expressed grave concern over the “shocking” number of locals involved in these crimes.
In a separate operation, CP Olufemi revealed that the Nigerian Army and the Delta State Police Command executed a raid on a location within the Post Housing Estate in Effurun on July 21, 2025. Acting on credible intelligence, the operation targeted suspected online fraudsters. A total of 183 suspects were arrested, including 33-year-old Kelvin Odini. Recovered items included 273 different laptops, 97 smartphones, one iPad, one table phone, and other evidence.
In total for July, the command arrested 211 individuals, recovered 18 firearms, 359 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, and apprehended 184 suspected online scammers.