The Delta State Police Command has taken down a notorious robbery syndicate responsible for a series of violent attacks across the Ughelli axis.
Four members of the gang were confirmed dead while a 19-year-old suspect was arrested in separate operations carried out by police operatives.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the breakthroughs were recorded under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, who has continued to push for stronger action against armed groups disturbing communities in the state.
According to him, officers of the CP Special Assignment Team stormed a hideout near Panama Layout, Ughelli, on 19 November after receiving intelligence linking the group to recent killings and robberies.
Those arrested during the raid were identified as Peter Ejenekevwe, also known as Calamity and described as the gang leader, alongside Clever David, Chukwuemeka Gospel Onuchukwu and Onome Collins.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the robbery and murder of Anthony Igoroko Omowho at Ekredjebor on 11 November.
They admitted trailing the victim to a hospital, attacking health workers and stabbing him after robbing him and his wife.
They also confessed to assaulting an 18-year-old girl during another robbery the same day.
A search in the surrounding bush led to the recovery of locally made long and short guns, live cartridges and keys to a Lexus 350 Jeep which enabled officers to trace and recover the car belonging to the slain victim.
The command said the situation escalated as officers were withdrawing from the area. They were ambushed by fleeing members of the gang.
The officers responded with what the police described as superior firepower. The four arrested suspects were hit by bullets allegedly fired by their accomplices and were later confirmed dead at the General Hospital, Ughelli. A police officer injured during the attack is receiving treatment.
In a separate operation on 18 November, officers of the Agbarho Division arrested a 19-year-old named Victor Peculiar, believed to be part of a five-man group that broke into a home at Uvwiama New Layout.
The gang allegedly fired shots after the occupant attempted to defend himself. A 43-inch television and other electronics were damaged during the attack.
The Divisional Police Officer, CSP Pius Eredei, led a rapid-response team alongside local vigilante operatives which resulted in the arrest of the teenager and the recovery of a locally fabricated double-barrelled gun.
The police said the suspect has made useful statements and is still being held for further investigation.
Commissioner Abaniwonda commended the officers involved and described the operations as proof of the command’s growing capacity to confront violent crime.
He appealed to residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity, assuring that every credible report will be treated with confidentiality.
