Community Takes Stand Against Crime: Ekpan Surrenders Firearms, Police Commends Efforts

Delta State Police Command Shares Recent Successes in Crime Fighting

In a recent press briefing held by the Delta State Police Command, authorities highlighted several notable achievements in their ongoing efforts to combat crime in the region. These successes include the rescue of a kidnap victim, the arrest of a notorious armed robbery gang, the recovery of a stolen vehicle from Ondo State, and the retrieval of various firearms in Ekpan and its environs.

DSP. BRIGHT EDAFE, POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, DELTA STATE COMMAND, ASABA.

Death of a Suspected Kidnapper and Rescue of a Kidnap Victim

On July 29, 2023, a police patrol team from Ebrumede Police Station, while conducting a routine stop and search at Fupre Junction Effurun, encountered a Lexus car. When the officers flagged down the vehicle, its occupants abruptly fled the scene, with one of them brandishing a double-barrel gun. The police pursued the suspects, leading to the neutralization of the armed suspect, while others managed to escape.

Upon inspecting the vehicle, the officers discovered a blindfolded kidnap victim who was promptly rescued and taken to the police station. According to the victim’s statement, the suspected kidnappers had caused a collision with his vehicle on Jakpa Road, Effurun, Uvwie LGA, before forcibly abducting him. Authorities are currently conducting efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Arrest of Notorious Armed Robbers/Kidnappers and Recovery of Firearms

Acting on credible intelligence, on July 28, 2023, the Delta State Police Command’s surveillance team, led by the DPO Owvian Aladja Division, arrested Ojokor Jeffrey, a 22-year-old male and gang leader of a notorious criminal group terrorizing Warri-Sapelle Road. Further interrogations led to the arrest of additional gang members, including Musa Amadu, Abu Mohammed, Mohammed Saidu, Anas Idris, Abubakra Muktar, and Kamilu Alasa.

The police seized two locally made double-barrel guns and eleven live cartridges from the gang members. Investigation into their criminal activities is ongoing.

Recovery of Stolen Vehicle and Arrest of Suspects

On July 30, 2023, the Delta State Police Command received a distress call from Ondo State, reporting a stolen Toyota Hilux that was suspected to have entered Delta State. In response, the CP-Decoy squad initiated an intelligence-led investigation, leading them to the town of Patani.

At approximately 20:30 on the same day, the police patrol team stationed on the Patani expressway spotted the stolen vehicle (registration number OD 231 A10) and apprehended two suspects, Tochukwu Nnamani and Chukwuma Unue, both from Rivers State. The suspects claimed they were delivering the vehicle to someone in River State. Investigations revealed that the vehicle belonged to the Ondo State Government, attached to the Ministry of Lands and Infrastructure, and had been taken from Owo town in Ondo state. The case will be transferred to the Ondo State Police Command.

Recovery of Firearms in Ekpan Community

The new DPO of Ekpan division, under a directive from CP Wale Abass, pledged to eradicate crime in the area. The DPO held stakeholder meetings with residents, urging those in possession of firearms to surrender their weapons voluntarily. As a result, some residents in Ekpan complied and deposited their arms at a designated location.

The DPO promptly organized a team to recover the surrendered firearms, which included a G-3 rifle, one SMG rifle, four English pump-action guns, two locally made guns, and two locally fabricated pistols. Efforts to maintain security and eliminate crime in Ekpan community and surrounding areas continue.

The Delta State Police Command’s recent accomplishments demonstrate their commitment to ensuring public safety and combating criminal activities in the state. The police force urges citizens to continue providing valuable information and support in their efforts to maintain law and order.