Residents along the Asaba–Benin corridor can finally breathe easier after operatives of the Delta State Police Command busted a notorious robbery and kidnapping syndicate that had long tormented commuters and nearby communities.
Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the breakthrough followed a distress call at about 6:30 a.m. on November 23, 2025, reporting an ongoing robbery around the Dustbin/Mango Tree area of the expressway.
The Eagle Net Special Squad, led by SP Danyaya Inusa and supported by personnel of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service under DSP Abu Joshua, responded immediately.
But what began as a rescue mission quickly turned violent when the armed gang ambushed officers with heavy gunfire.
The operatives, however, fought back with “controlled precision,” forcing the criminals to flee.
A hot chase led to the arrest of three suspects — Oghenemaro Martins (25), Tarebi Miracle Ogbada (22), and Okorie James Kalu (19).
In their haste, the fleeing gang abandoned a black bag that turned out to be a goldmine for investigators.
Inside were:An English-made Beretta pistol, A locally made gunFour live 9mm rounds, A laptop, Several phones, A PS5 console, Jewellery and other valuables linked to previous robbery victims in the Okpanam/Asaba area.
Edafe said the recovery provided a “clear chain of evidence” tying the suspects to multiple violent attacks under investigation.
The three suspects are now in custody, while detectives continue profiling their network and possible involvement in kidnappings along the expressway.
Barely 24 hours later, the command intensified its offensive, arresting three suspected members of the Aye confraternity in Sapele and Oghara.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, raided targeted locations around 5:30 a.m on November 24.
The suspects — Miracle Umukoro (52), Mudiaga Ukavwe (31), and Solomon Oghoro (a.k.a. Spartan), 30 — were caught with a pump-action gun, six live cartridges, a cutlass and a Toyota Sienna minivan allegedly used for surveillance and movement.
Edafe said the arrests dealt a major blow to cult groups responsible for killings, extortion and armed clashes in the area.
All exhibits have been logged as investigations continue to track down other members and dismantle the group’s operations.