Banner Online News

By Our Reporter

ASABA — The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing internal security operations, following the successful raid of two criminal hideouts in Ibusa and Sapele areas of the state.

According to a statement issued on Friday, October 10, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) acting on credible intelligence, stormed a residence linked to suspected ritualists and internet fraudsters in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.

During the operation, conducted on October 6, 2025, the team raided the home of one Onwugbenu Olisa, who is currently on the run. One suspect, Okechukwu Okwudili Nwanolue, aged 45, from Abala-Obodo in Aniocha North LGA, was arrested at the scene.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of a pump-action gun loaded with three live cartridges, two laptops suspected to be used for internet fraud, a live snail, and several fetish items concealed in a shrine. The police said efforts are ongoing to track down Olisa and other fleeing suspects.

In a separate operation, CP-SAT operatives also raided a criminal hideout at Adheje community along the Sapele–Warri road on October 7, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m., following intelligence on an armed syndicate that had been terrorizing travelers and dispossessing them of valuables.

Two suspects — Lucky Tenaera, 24, of Okwetolor community, Sapele LGA, and Prince Emma Esemedafe, 38, of Effurun, Uvwie LGA — were arrested during the operation. Recovered items include a locally made long gun, 11 ATM cards, and other incriminating materials.

SP Edafe assured that both suspects are in custody and investigations are ongoing to unravel their network and bring all accomplices to justice.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the crackdown on cultism, ritual activities, and violent crime across the state, urging residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies.