In a successful operation conducted on 12/8/2024 at approximately 0430hrs, operatives of the CP Special Squad based in Ughelli raided a suspected kidnapper's hideout in Ewu community, Ughelli South LGA of Delta State. The operation was carried out in collaboration with a suspected kidnapper, Joel Ochuko Ofoye 'm', who had been arrested earlier on 18/7/2024.

During the operation, the team encountered fierce resistance from the suspect's gang members who attempted to free Ochuko. Despite the attack, the police managed to overpower the hoodlums, causing them to flee with bullet wounds. Unfortunately, Ochuko was fatally injured during the exchange of gunfire and later died while receiving treatment at the general hospital in Ughelli.

The police recovered a Beretta pistol with four live rounds of ammunition, a pump action shotgun with nine cartridges, and a locally fabricated revolver pump action. A manhunt is currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The operation was part of an investigation into the kidnapping of a 29-year-old victim from Kokori Community in Ethiope East LGA, Delta State. The victim, who resides in Sapele Town, was abducted on 17/2/2024 by a gang of five armed kidnappers. During the ordeal, five million Naira was transferred from the victim's account to an unknown bank account by the criminals.

Following the victim's release, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed the CP's special squad to launch an investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Acting on information provided by the victim, the police raided an apartment in Sapele Town on 11/08/2024 at about 0430hrs. They recovered a Beretta pistol from the room of a suspect known as Sapiro, along with arresting gang members Tony Binitie 'm' (29 yrs) and Ejiro Ewuba 'm' (30 yrs). Additionally, Ayuba Hussaini 'm' (38 yrs) was arrested for receiving the victim's jewelry and phones valued at millions of Naira. The suspects confessed to their involvement, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other gang members.

Moreover, another incident on 05/08/2024 at approximately 1100hrs, involved suspected cultists gathering at Ovine Hotel in Afiesere before proceeding to Ogbovwan Community where they shot and killed a dog, and damaged property with bullets, the police responded swiftly led by the DPO Ofuoma division CSP Patrick Uebari, arresting five suspects. Three locally-made guns, a battle axe, live and expended cartridges, phones, and bags were seized from the suspects as efforts to track down other fleeing culprits continue.