Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team of the Delta State Police Command have arrested three female drug dealers during a targeted raid on a criminal hideout in Afisere, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Mrs. Doris Okoroko (55), Gladys Otah (46), and Anita Samuel (23), were apprehended on June 30, 2025, following actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in the sale and distribution of illicit substances.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, disclosed that a total of 211 suspects were arrested across the state between June and July. The operations also led to the recovery of 18 firearms and 359 rounds of ammunition and cartridges.
Parading the suspects, CP Olufemi revealed that a thorough search of the women yielded a large quantity of hard drugs including Tramadol, Codeine, Swinol, and Cannabis.
In a separate incident, on July 31, operatives from the Jesse Division Anti-Crime Patrol, while on a confidence-building patrol, arrested Maureen Odiri (47) after stopping and searching the motorcycle she boarded. She was found in possession of Tramadol, Swinol, and Codeine.
CP Olufemi also announced the dismantling of a notorious kidnapping and ritualist syndicate led by Owei Abebo, popularly known as “Adusa.” On July 19, operatives arrested Peter Benson (35), a suspected herbalist from Kwale, Ndokwa LGA, believed to be the spiritual facilitator of the gang’s criminal operations.
Benson’s arrest followed credible intelligence about a planned series of abductions targeting high-profile individuals in Sapele, Oghara, and surrounding communities. During interrogation, Benson led operatives to Joseph Saniyo (63) of Ajakorama Community in Ovia South-West LGA, Edo State, where three live tortoises and other ritualistic items believed to be used for criminal fortification were recovered.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Owei Abebo (42), along with key accomplices Ebi Maye (41) and Happy Obegha (39) in Oghara. Police recovered 247 rounds of SMG live ammunition from the suspects.
In another major operation, also on July 31, the Divisional Police Officer of Ogwashi-Uku Division received intelligence about an imminent attack on students sitting for their final exams at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, by suspected cultists.
Swift action by deployed operatives led to the arrest of Favour Osafile (23) and Ifeainachi Emmanuel (23). The suspects were found with six cut-to-size guns and eight rounds of live cartridges concealed in two handbags. During interrogation, they confessed to being members of the Black Axe Confraternity.
CP Abaniwonda reiterated the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order across Delta State, adding that investigations are ongoing in all cases.
