The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and cybercrime, with the arrest of a notorious kidnap syndicate and the apprehension of over 180 suspected internet fraudsters in separate operations.
In a statement released Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, revealed that operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team, acting on credible intelligence, arrested key members of a kidnap gang led by one Owei Abebo, also known as “Adusa.”
The gang had been on the police watchlist since 2021.
“On the 19th of July 2025, acting on intelligence about a planned series of abductions targeting prominent individuals in Sapele and Oghara, our operatives swung into action and began a coordinated operation,” Edafe said.
The operation, led by ASP Julius Robinson under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, resulted in the arrest of 35-year-old Peter Benson from Kwale, identified as a spiritual facilitator for the gang.
Further interrogation led to the arrest of 63-year-old Joseph Saniyo from Ajakorama community in Edo State, believed to be the primary spiritualist for the group. Police recovered three live tortoises and fetish materials used for “criminal fortification.”
The team then stormed Oghara and apprehended the gang leader, Owei Abebo, along with his accomplices—Ebi Maye, 41, and Happy Obegha, 39. A search of their hideouts yielded 247 rounds of live ammunition for a Submachine Gun (SMG) rifle.
“Preliminary investigations show the gang was plotting a coordinated kidnapping campaign across Sapele and Oghara, which was thwarted due to the swift action of our officers,” the PPRO added.
In a separate operation on July 21, the Ekpan Police Division, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, raided a suspected cybercrime hub located within Post Housing Estate, Effurun.
“Acting on solid intelligence, we moved in at about 5:45 p.m. and arrested 184 suspects involved in internet fraud-related activities,” said Edafe.
Among those arrested was 33-year-old Kelvin Odini, believed to be one of the coordinators of the illicit activities. Recovered items include 273 laptops, 97 smartphones, an iPad, nine laptop chargers, two Wi-Fi routers, and a table phone.
“All suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to determine the extent of their operations and identify additional suspects,” Edafe stated.
Commending the operations, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi praised the officers for their professionalism and dedication.
“This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to rid Delta State of crime. We will not relent. The safety and peace of our communities remain our top priority,” the CP said.
He added that the command would continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing, surveillance, and community partnerships to create an environment where criminal elements cannot thrive.
