Criminal gangs in Delta State are facing tough times as the Police continue to hunt them to a standstill, while the men and officers of the Command continue to go after a killer land grabber, who is on the run
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
The Police in Delta State have recorded major breakthroughs in its sustained clampdown on criminal gangs, across the state following the arrest of suspected kidnappers, murderers, armed robbers, rapists and confessed cultists in separate operations in Asaba, Sapele and Oghara.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe on November 23, 2025, he stated that the suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence on November 19, 2025, when operations of the CP-Special Criminal Assignment Team (CP-SAT) about 2030 hours stormed a criminal hideout on the outskirts of Panama Layout, Ughelli, identified as the base of a violent syndicate responsible for multiple heinous crimes in Ughelli, headquarters of North Local Government Area.
He disclosed the names of the suspects as Peter Ejenekevwe (m) 31 alias calamity, (gang leader), Clever David (M) 35, Chukwuemeka Gospel Onuchukwu (M) 29 and Onome Collins (M) 32.
According to the statement, “during interrogation, the suspects confessed to the robbery and murder of one Anthony Igoroko Omowho at Ekredjebor on November 11, 2025, admitting to robbing him and his wife, trailing him to Saint Nicholas Hospital and stabbing him to death after robbing nurses on duty.
“They also confessed to robbing a POS operator and her husband the same day, inflicting injuries and raping the victim’s 18-year-old sister-in-law.
“Preliminary investigation led the operatives to further advance into the bush where the following items were recovered, two locally made long guns, twenty-three live cartridges, three made shotguns and two lexus 350 Jeep keys, which led to the recovery of the victim’s vehicle with registration number KUJ 788 DR).
“While withdrawing from the bush, the operatives were ambushed by the suspected gang members but repelled the attack with superior fire power and strategy.
During the exchange according to the statement, the four suspects were struck by bullets fired by the fleeing hoodlums and were confirmed dead at General Hospital Ughelli. Unfortunately, a police officer got injured in the encounter and is receiving treatment.
Also, on 23 November, 2025, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad led by SP Danyaya Inusa acting on distress call about an armed robbery incident along the Asaba-Benin Expressway by the dustbin/mango tree area, mobilized swiftly in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service headed by DSP Abu Joshua.
Upon arrival, the team came under heavy gunfire from the criminal gang but responded with superior strategy and fire power, forcing the suspects to flee. After a hot pursuit, three suspects, Ogbenemaro Martins (25) Tarebi Miracle Ogbada (22) and Okorie James Kalu (19) were arrested.
A black bag abandoned during the chase recovered containing items that linked the suspects to several robberies. Items recovered include: one English-made Beretta Pistol, one locally made pistol, four live 9mm beretta ammunition, one HP laptop, one iphone, one Tecno phone and one Samsung phone.
In a related development, the Delta State Police Command has begun a manhunt for Chief Jerry Nkeeshe, the Owelle of Onicha-Alona and members of an armed group allegedly responsible for the killing of three youths on November 24, 2025, near “B” Division in Asaba.
According to preliminary findings, Chief Nkeeshe led a team comprising vigilantes and suspected cultists, some reportedly dressed in Army camouflage, to a parcel of land in Okwe Community along the Asaba-Onitsha Road in an attempt to assert ownership of the property. The group was accused of issuing and enforcing an unauthorized quit notice without any court mandate.
According to the press release signed by the police’s image maker, SP Bright Edafe, the operation reportedly met resistance, leading to a confrontation in which the armed group opened fire. Three youths sustained several gunshot injuries and were later confirmed dead at the hospital.
In reaction to the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units, intelligence officers and specialized investigations to locate and arrest all those connected to the incident. He described the act as a reckless and unacceptable display of lawlessness.
The CP appealed to residents of Onicha-Olona, Asaba and surrounding communities to assist security operatives with credible information, stressing that no individual, regardless of status or influence would be shielded from prosecution.
In his own reaction, Barrister Nmadu Agada told Tentacle that he handled the case in court. He stated that Jerry is not the owner of the land, he only obtained certificate of occupancy (C of O) over another person’s land and started grabbing a land bought and fenced since 1978 in 2015.
“Why is he on the run, he should be a man enough to take responsibility of his action. A heartless land grabber and blood sucker, his cup of inequity is full. He should come out from hiding, there’s no need for him to postpone the evil day,” Agada said.
But the Owelle of Onicha-Olona speaking from his hideout has denied police allegations linking him to the Delta killing of three youths. He threatened legal action against the police saying “I am innocent and remain a law abiding citizen and will continue to rely on the justice system to protect my name”, Chief Jerry Nkeeshe said.
Meanwhile, the police command has urged the residents to report sightings or suspicious activity linked to the suspects via emergency line: 08036684974
