Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a suspected notorious kidnapper, Chiadiji Collins, also known as “Smooth 42,” along Ibusa Road in the Oshimili North Local Government Area.
The arrest, confirmed by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, follows a string of abductions and violent crimes reported in the Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, and Asaba areas in recent months.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, the suspect was apprehended on July 27, 2025, following an intelligence-led operation carried out by the CP-Special Assignment Team led by ASP Julius Robinson.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with operatives from the Command’s X-Squad and Buffalo Patrol Teams.
“Acting on credible intelligence about the activities of suspected kidnappers operating around Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-Uku, and Issele-Uku, operatives raided a criminal hideout along Ibusa Road and arrested Chiadiji Collins, who had long been on the Command’s watchlist,” Edafe said.
Following his arrest, Collins led police to his residence in Ewulu community, Aniocha South Local Government Area, where a search yielded one AK-47 rifle and 40 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Ezechie Andrew, from the same community.
He was found in possession of two pump-action guns and two live cartridges. Both suspects are believed to be members of a kidnapping syndicate operating across Delta State.
In a related development, the Command also arrested three suspected cultists in Abraka.
Edafe disclosed that on Wednesday, at about 6:30 p.m., officers of the Rapid Response Squad raided a criminal hideout near Big Gate, Campus III, Abraka. Three suspects — Benjamin Okwufulueze (21), Augustine Ifeanyi (22), and Iruma Japheth (27) — were apprehended.
Recovered from the suspects were a fabricated Beretta pistol, four rounds of live ammunition, a black cap bearing the insignia of the Eiye confraternity, and a battle axe.
The suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the confraternity.
Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has urged parents and guardians to counsel their children against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities.
He also appealed to residents to report suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies.