Cultists, arms dealers, car thieves fall as police track crime syndicates in Delta, Edo, Katsina, Adamawa
In a major security breakthrough, the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled several criminal syndicates across Delta, Edo, Katsina, and Adamawa states, arresting suspected cultists, arms dealers, kidnappers, and car thieves in a coordinated wave of intelligence-led operations.
The nationwide crackdown, which led to the arrest of eight suspects and recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition, underscores the renewed push by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to combat violent crimes through strategic intelligence and inter-agency collaboration.
Cultist hideouts raided in Delta
In Delta State, police operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a residence in Mosogar, arresting two suspected cultists—Koko Josh (29) and Asomugha Clinton (27). A search of their apartment yielded a fabricated Baretta pistol loaded with two live rounds, two locally made guns, eight cartridges, a laptop, several mobile phones, and fetish items believed to be used in cult rituals.
Further investigations led to the arrest of two other members of the Aiye Confraternity—Anthony Kelvin (26) and Gift Amotsuka (25). In a separate sting operation in Okpanam, two more suspects—Ekene Chroma (36) and Okafor Jonathan (18)—were nabbed with two English-made single-barrel guns and 110 rounds of ammunition. The duo was allegedly involved in arms dealing, supplying weapons to criminal gangs in the region.
Kidnap victims rescued in Edo
In Edo State, operatives rescued two kidnap victims—Godday Irieude and Wisdom Emeka—who were abducted from their farm in the Ewatto area in the early hours of June 26, 2025. Acting swiftly on intelligence and with support from local vigilantes, the police stormed the kidnappers’ hideout. The suspects engaged the operatives in a gun duel but were overpowered and forced to flee with gunshot wounds, leaving the victims unharmed.
Car theft syndicate uncovered in Katsina
In Funtua, Katsina State, officers of the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) apprehended 40-year-old Yunusa Ishaku, who was found in possession of a stolen Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Camry. Under interrogation, he confessed to being part of a notorious vehicle theft ring that operates in Abuja, Jos, and other cities, with vehicles trafficked into Niger Republic for resale.
Ishaku also revealed the locations of three other stolen vehicles—including a Honda Accord, Toyota Carina II, and Toyota Camry—in Zamfara and Bauchi states. Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest his accomplices and recover the remaining vehicles.
Illegal weapons dealer caught in Adamawa
Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, police arrested a 52-year-old suspect, Alhaji Iya Bima, from Kem Shithem Local Government Area, with an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 50 rounds of live ammunition. His confession led to the recovery of an additional AK-47 rifle, three magazines, and another 50 rounds of ammunition.
Police reaffirm commitment to public safety
The IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to disrupting criminal operations through intelligence-led policing, urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement.
“All suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the Force Headquarters said in a statement.
The police have also encouraged citizens to report suspicious activity via emergency hotlines or at the nearest police station.
