Operatives of of CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) in Delta State Police Command have arrested suspected kidnapper, 42-year-old Chiadiji Collins a.k.a Smooth.
The Command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, said that the arrest, made on July 27, at about 1:20a.m., followed credible intelligence on the activities of some suspected kidnappers in Ogwashi-Uku, Ubuluku and Isseluku.
The PPRO said that operatives, led by ASP Julius Robinson in combined effort with operatives from the command’s X-Squad and Buffallo Patrol Teams of the command, stormed a suspected criminal hideout along Ibusa road where the suspect was arrested.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the suspect had been on the command’s watchlist for series of kidnapping activities within Ibusa/Ogwashi-Uku and Asaba axis before he was apprehended.
The suspect reportedly led operatives to his residence at Ewulu Community in Aniocha South Local Government Area where a search warrant was executed.
Recovered were an AK-47 rifle and 40 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Also, preliminary investigation led to the arrest of Ezechie Andrew of the same community, from whom two pump action guns and two live cartridges were recovered.
According to the PPRO, both suspects were gang members suspected to be involved in a series of kidnappings in Ogwashi-Uku, Isseluku and other parts of Delta State.
Edafe said that the suspects are in custody, with investigation ongoing.
In a related development, operatives of the Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), while acting on credible information, stormed a criminal hideout at Big Gate, Campus III, Abraka, on July 30 at about 6:30a.m. where they arrested Benjamin Okwufulueze, aged 21; Augustine Ifeanyi, 22; and Iruma Japheth, 27.
A fabricated Beretta pistol with four live ammunition, a black cap with Eiye Confraternity inscription and a battle axe were recovered from the suspects.
SP Edafe said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of Eiye Confraternity, adding that they are all in custody while investigation is ongoing.
Reacting to the arrests, the Ccommissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, urged parents and guardians to discourage their children and wards from all forms of criminality and cult-related activities.
He also advised members of the public to contact the police and report any suspicious persons or movements in their environment.