The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, Chiadiji Collins, also known as “Smooth,” along with one of his gang members and three cultists belonging to the Eiye confraternity at different locations across the state.
The arrests followed credible intelligence on their criminal activities in Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-uku, Isseluku, and Abraka.On July 27, 2025, at about 1:20 a.m., operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, in collaboration with the command’s X-Squad and Buffalo Patrol Teams, stormed a suspected hideout along Ibusa Road.
They arrested Collins, 42, who has been on the police watchlist for numerous kidnappings around Ibusa/Ogwashi-Uku and Asaba.
A search of his residence in Ewulu community, Aniocha South LGA, yielded an AK-47 rifle and 40 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Ezechie Andrew, another suspect from the same community, was also arrested with two pump-action guns and two live cartridges.
Both are suspected of involvement in several kidnappings in the state and are now in custody, with investigations ongoing.Subsequently, on July 30, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m., operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) raided a criminal hideout at Big Gate, Campus III, Abraka. They arrested Benjamin Okwufulueze (21), Augustine Ifeanyi (22), and Iruma Japheth (27).
A fabricated Beretta pistol, four live rounds, a black cap with Eiye confraternity inscriptions, and a battle axe were recovered.
The suspects confessed to being cult members and are currently in custody as investigations continue.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has urged parents and guardians to discourage their wards from criminal and cultist activities and called on the public to report suspicious persons or movements to the police promptly.
This operation underscores the police’s commitment to curbing kidnapping and cult-related crimes in the state through intelligence-led coordinated raids.
