Officers and personnel from the Ekpan Division under the Delta State Police Command have achieved a significant breakthrough in their operations. They successfully raided one of the region’s most notorious criminal hideouts, recovering a cache of weapons used by kidnappers, armed robbers, and local troublemakers who have been causing havoc in the community.
During the operation, which was led by the newly redeployed Divisional Police Officer (DPO) CSP Aliyu Shaba, an uncompleted building used as an armory by the criminals was uncovered. The following items were seized: one AK-47 rifle with five loaded magazines containing 161 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one assault rifle with two loaded magazines containing 59 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two English pump-action guns, 110 live cartridges, one double-barrel gun, one single-barrel gun, one toy gun, and several cutlasses. Additionally, a collection of charms wrapped in a cap, believed to be used for protection during criminal activities, was discovered at the scene.
Authorities have initiated a manhunt for the syndicate members who managed to escape during the police operation. The recovery of these weapons and the dismantling of the criminal hideout were part of the Ekpan Division’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes and social vices, including youth unrest, that have plagued the area.
In a statement released by the Delta State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, it was revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, had specifically assigned the new DPO with the task of ensuring the safety of Ekpan and its environs. The deployment of CSP Aliyu Shaba to Ekpan Police Station was a direct response to numerous complaints from residents regarding the activities of kidnappers and armed robbers in the area.
Acting on credible intelligence, CSP Shaba led a joint operation involving Ekpan division police officers and military personnel from the 3rd battalion Nigerian army Ekpan. The raid took place on July 3, 2023, at an uncompleted building located at Agadaga Avenue, off Jakpa Road, Ekpan.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, appealed to the public, particularly the people of Delta State, to provide any useful information that could aid in the ongoing efforts to apprehend the criminal syndicate.
The Warri Urban Security Network (WUSN), a local security watchdog group, expressed its appreciation for the police’s accomplishment and commended CSP Aliyu Shaba for his dedication to duty in all the areas where he has served since joining the State Police Command. In a statement, the group called on the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to recognize and promote CSP Aliyu Shaba for his unwavering commitment to crime-fighting in various assignments.
The WUSN acknowledged CSP Shaba’s significant contributions to reducing crime in Warri and its environs, especially in the notorious Udu area, from which he was recently redeployed to Ekpan. They urged the police leadership to reward his exceptional performance by granting him a special promotion, as it would serve as an encouragement for him and others in the force to continue their diligent service.