Photo: Delta PPRO, Bright Edage confirms arrest of kidnapping gang members
A criminal network suspected of terrorising communities in Warri, Osubi, Agbarho, Sapele, and Ughelli has been dismantled following a series of arrests carried out by the Delta State Police Command, authorities confirmed Monday.
The syndicate, allegedly responsible for multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery, was tracked down after a kidnapping case reported at the Isiokolo Police Station was escalated to the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on the directive of CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.
Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said investigations led to the arrest of Augustine Ojanuware, who confessed to being part of the gang and cooperated with police by leading them to Osubi and Ughelli, where two more suspects were arrested:
- Precious Urhobowin, 27, from Ewu Community
- Julius Okpako, 32, from Oviri-Ogor, is allegedly the owner of the POS terminal used to collect ransom payments.
The syndicate is believed to be behind the kidnapping of a pharmacist from her residence in Ughelli on June 19, 2025, who was released after five days when an undisclosed ransom was paid. Her Lexus Jeep was later recovered abandoned near Isiokolo. The suspects also reportedly attempted to abduct a male victim in Iyede Community on April 28, and made away with his Toyota Corolla after the failed kidnapping.
Police recovered a locally made firearm loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition.
In a related crackdown, officers also apprehended members of a “one chance” robbery gang—a group notorious for posing as commercial tricycle operators to rob unsuspecting passengers of their belongings.
Following a two-day operation on June 28 and 29, officers from CP-SAT, led by ASP Julius Robinson, raided areas in Agbarho and Ughelli, arresting:
- Lucky Oghenerobor, 37, from Olomoro in Isoko South LGA and alleged gang leader and owner of the operational tricycle,
- Olamide Fagbaibe, 24, from Akure, Ondo State, and
- Umeh Akpan, 37, from Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects reportedly confessed to operating across Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and nearby areas. Police recovered 16 suspected stolen mobile phones from the trio.
The Delta State Police Command says investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of both syndicates.
