Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
CRIMINAL GANGS operating across Delta State are being dismantled in a sweeping security operation that has seen the arrest of over 100 suspects and the rescue of 13 kidnap victims, according to the State Police Command.
During a press briefing in Asaba, Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi disclosed that between January and March 2025, 106 suspects were apprehended in connection with serious offences, including armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, cultism, rape, and defilement.
The breakdown revealed 35 arrests for armed robbery, 24 for kidnapping, 21 for murder, 22 for cultism, and four linked to sexual violence.
The figures, Olufemi noted, reflected the effectiveness of the Command’s intelligence-driven operations, aimed at disrupting organised crime and restoring public confidence.
Weapons, Ammunition, and Stolen Vehicles Recovered
In the course of these operations, the Command recovered a significant cache of weapons: 11 AK-47 rifles, one G-3 rifle, nine Beretta pistols, 19 locally fabricated firearms, and 13 pump-action shotguns.
Police also seized over 5,600 rounds of live ammunition and cartridges of various calibres.
Additionally, 14 stolen vehicles were tracked and recovered, while large quantities of illegal drugs and dangerous substances were confiscated in separate raids.
A major highlight of the quarter was the neutralisation of a kidnap syndicate that had plagued communities in Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Issele-Uku, Ubulu-Uku, and surrounding areas. The group was taken down during an armed confrontation with police operatives.
The 13 rescued kidnap victims have since been reunited with their families, marking a decisive victory for the Command’s anti-kidnapping unit.
Commissioner Olufemi acknowledged the vital support received from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Government, and allied security agencies. He also credited the vigilance of residents, whose cooperation, he said, was critical to the Command’s success.
He called on communities to remain engaged in security efforts by reporting unusual activity and working closely with the police.
“Security is everyone’s business. If you see something, say something,” he urged.
Residents are advised to contact the police via the Command’s control room numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, or 08025666914 for prompt response to emergencies or suspicious movements.
Students Education Uplifted with Bursaries
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT for students in Delta State’s Ughievwen Kingdom is also gathering momentum as the 2025 Izeze Bursary Scheme opens with a wider scope and a 10% rise in beneficiaries compared to last year.
Comrade Reuben Izeze, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), has launched the latest edition of the bursary programme, which will benefit 220 students from Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The announcement reflects a renewed commitment to funding higher education for indigenes of the Ughievwen Kingdom.
Tisha Ejekanshe Matthew, ACA, Secretary of the Izeze Bursary Board, confirmed the development on behalf of the scheme’s principal, noting that the increase in the number of awardees is a deliberate move to support more young scholars.
Applicants must be in at least their second year of study (200 level or ND II) and maintain a minimum GPA/CGPA of 2.5. First-year students are not eligible.
Bursary application forms are free of charge and accessible via the Ughievwen Kingdom WhatsApp platform or by contacting any of the designated board representatives:
Peter – 0703 471 1220
Tisha – 0808 549 5747
Agboro – 0803 472 1022
Ezekiel – 0803 099 8162
Thankgod – 0706 763 6788
Students must complete the form and submit it alongside their School ID card and Local Government of Origin certificate. Submissions can be scanned or photographed and sent directly to the listed contacts.
The board also advised applicants that forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The closing date for submissions is Thursday, 15th May 2025.
