The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the death of a suspected kidnapper after a gun battle with operatives in Obiaruku, Delta State. The command also announced the arrest of several suspected armed robbers and cultists, along with the recovery of firearms and ammunition.

Incident in Obiaruku
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe stated that on December 1, 2025, officers from the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), working with community volunteers, acted on intelligence that suspected kidnappers were mobilizing in the Obiaruku forest to launch an attack. When police approached the location, the suspects opened fire from multiple directions. The operatives responded, resulting in the death of one suspect while others escaped with injuries.

Recovered items included one AK-47 rifle with 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones, and charms.

Other Operations
Between November 28–29, 2025, the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, conducted coordinated operations across Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele, targeting criminal networks linked to theft, armed robbery, and cult activities.

During these operations:

• Kelvin Oke (42) was arrested in Ekuigbo with a stolen tricycle.
• Victor Oyaye (26), a gang leader from Otor-Ogor, and Monday Emakpo (31) from Okpara, were apprehended with another stolen tricycle and a locally-made shotgun loaded with six cartridges.
• Jeffery Saint (28) of Ogharake, Oghara, was caught with a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and 15 live rounds.
• Ezekiel Edeya (28) of Emevo, Isoko North LGA, was apprehended during a traffic stop along the Asaba–Benin Expressway, with a locally fabricated pistol, three live cartridges, an iron plier, and a screwdriver in his possession.

Police Response
CP Olufemi Abaniwonda commended the operatives for their courage and effectiveness, and thanked community stakeholders for providing vital intelligence that aided the operations. Investigations into all suspects are ongoing.