Connect with us

Crime

Delta Police Arrest Nine-Man Robbery Gang, Recover Stolen Cars, iPhones, And N23.5m

Published

8 months ago

on

Delta Police Arrest Nine-Man Robbery Gang, Recover Stolen Cars, iPhones, And N23.5m

The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of a nine-man robbery syndicate that has allegedly been terrorising parts of Delta and neighbouring Edo State.

The suspects were nabbed between August 11 and 16, 2025, following a string of coordinated intelligence-led operations by the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team.

According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, the suspects operated with a sophisticated pattern — using hypnotic techniques to deceive unsuspecting victims before stealing their possessions. Items targeted included mobile phones, motorcycles, jewellery, and even victims’ bank accounts, which were emptied after gaining access through coercion.

A Network Across Delta and Edo

Police investigations revealed that the group operated mainly in Warri, Ughelli, and other hotspots across Delta State, extending their activities into Edo. Residents in these regions had long complained about an increase in cases of unexplained financial losses and street robberies, fueling fears that organised gangs were behind the incidents.

The arrest of the nine suspects, Edafe noted, is expected to bring a measure of relief to local communities. He said the police command acted swiftly after receiving “credible intelligence” about the syndicate’s hideouts and operations.

Items Recovered from the Gang

During the raids, operatives recovered a significant cache of stolen property, including:

  • Two Toyota Camry vehicles suspected to have been purchased or stolen during operations.

  • Sixteen iPhones traced back to victims.

  • Dozens of motorcycles belonging to women traders, who often serve as easy targets due to their vulnerability in marketplaces and rural areas.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects defrauded their victims of a combined total of ₦23.5 million (about USD 15,000). In addition, no fewer than 42 ladies’ motorcycles had been stolen and resold.

Modus Operandi: Hypnosis and Fear

One of the alarming revelations from the police report was the gang’s reliance on hypnosis. Victims often reported feeling disoriented, confused, or powerless before being stripped of their belongings. This method has been increasingly associated with robbery rings in parts of Nigeria and has sparked broader conversations about public awareness and safety education.

Experts in criminal psychology argue that while hypnosis may not be as literal as portrayed in films, criminal syndicates often rely on a blend of intimidation, psychological manipulation, and drugging tactics to disarm victims.

Community Reactions

Local residents in Warri and Ughelli expressed relief at the breakthrough. “For months, we were living in fear,” said a trader at Warri Main Market. “Many women lost their motorcycles, and some people even complained about money missing from their bank accounts after strange encounters.”

Community leaders have praised the police for responding to public concerns but also urged continued vigilance, citing the need for sustained patrols, stronger intelligence networks, and public awareness campaigns.

Broader Security Context in Nigeria

The arrest comes amid rising concerns about urban crime and fraud syndicates in Nigeria. Recent reports from the National Bureau of Statistics and international organisations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlight a troubling rise in petty and organised crime, often linked to unemployment and economic hardship.

Security analysts also warn that bordering states such as Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa are particularly vulnerable due to dense population, urban sprawl, and complex economic networks that make it easy for gangs to thrive.

What’s Next?

DSP Bright Edafe confirmed that the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. The command is currently working to trace the syndicate’s wider network, including potential buyers of stolen motorcycles and accomplices who helped launder stolen funds.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police has assured the public that justice will be pursued to its full extent, while also calling on residents to remain cautious and report suspicious activities.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crime

Tenant Allegedly St@bs Landlord In Delta

Published

4 months ago

on

December 23, 2025

By

Tenant Allegedly St@bs Landlord In Delta

A tragic incident has rocked Boji-Boji Owa in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, where a landlord, Mr. Lucky Obaze, was allegedly st@bbed to d3ath by his tenant during a dispute over a ₦1,500 electricity bill.

The suspect, identified only as Chiboy, is reportedly from Calabar, Cross River State.

According to Ika Weekly Newspaper, Chiboy and his brother, Victor, occupied a one-room apartment in a building owned by Mr. Obaze’s late father. The deceased, an indigene of the Owa-Oyibu community, lived in the same compound with his wife and six children.

Recounting the tragic event, which occurred on December 21, 2025, one of the victim’s children, Master Success Lucky, said the altercation started when his father went to collect the monthly electricity bill, as he routinely did.

“My father went to Chiboy to collect the ₦1,500 light bill, and they started arguing,” the visibly distressed boy said.

“I was alone with my father. If my mother had been around, this wouldn’t have happened. They fought downstairs where Chiboy stays, and afterward my father went upstairs to rest.”

He continued, “Suddenly, Chiboy came upstairs with a knife. I tried to stop him, but he was stronger than me. He met my father sitting in the parlour and st@bbed him.”

The victim’s wife, Mrs. Helen Obaze, has called on security agencies, the Nigerian government, and human rights groups to ensure justice is served.

Overcome with grief, she lamented that she has been left to single-handedly care for their six children.

Mrs. Obaze added that her husband’s body has been deposited at the mortuary to allow the police to carry out a full investigation into the incident.

Continue Reading

Crime

‘Call Of Duty’ Creator Dies In Fiery Car Crash

Published

4 months ago

on

December 23, 2025

By

‘Call Of Duty’ Creator Dies In Fiery Car Crash

Vince Zampella, the legendary co-creator of the global video game phenomenon Call of Duty, has reportedly died after a tragic car accident, according to a confirmation released Monday by gaming powerhouse Electronic Arts. He was 55 years old.

Local outlet NBC4 reported that Zampella was driving his Ferrari along a scenic mountain route north of Los Angeles on Sunday when the vehicle suddenly left the road under unclear circumstances, slammed into a concrete barrier, and erupted into flames.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that both Zampella and a passenger were thrown from the car and later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. Dramatic videos circulating on social media showed the wreckage of the cherry-red Ferrari completely engulfed in fire on the roadside.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Zampella was widely celebrated as a trailblazer in the gaming world and a driving force behind the evolution of modern first-person military shooters. He co-created the Call of Duty franchise and later founded Respawn Entertainment, the studio responsible for hit titles including Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series.

He began his journey in the gaming industry in the 1990s and went on to co-found Infinity Ward in 2002. The studio released the first Call of Duty game in 2003, launching a franchise that would grow into one of the most successful in gaming history, boasting over 100 million active players each month.

Infinity Ward was later acquired by Activision, solidifying Zampella’s status as one of the most influential and respected figures in contemporary video game development.

Continue Reading

Crime

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Published

5 months ago

on

November 28, 2025

By

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges as multiple communities in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced coordinated attacks this week. These incidents come just days after the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State……CONTINUE READING

New Abduction in Niger State

Residents of Palaita community in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area were thrown into distress on Wednesday when armed groups invaded a rice farm and abducted several workers, including a pregnant woman. Community sources estimated the number of kidnapped victims to be around 24, while the Niger State Police Command confirmed 10 abductions as investigations continue.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. while farmers were busy harvesting their crops. Despite the community’s close proximity to a military base in Erena, the attackers escaped before security personnel arrived.

In a separate incident in Kakuru community, also in Erena Ward, residents reported that a visually impaired man was assaulted after refusing to hand over a mobile phone. The victim was given first aid, though his current condition remains unclear.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attacks, assuring that security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims and restore calm in the affected areas.

Fresh Abductions in the FCT

In Abuja, communities in the Bwari Area Council faced renewed tension following another night attack in Gidan-Bijimi, a settlement near the Kaduna boundary. Six young women and a 16-year-old boy were taken during the raid, according to residents.

The attack, which occurred around 9:47 p.m. on Wednesday, created panic among locals already concerned by previous incidents in the region. Local vigilance groups attempted to intervene but retreated due to limited resources.

As of Thursday morning, families reported that no contact had been made with the attackers, while police were still verifying the details.

Church Confirms Passing of Kaduna Cleric

The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, has announced the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, who was abducted in October along with his wife and daughter. His passing was described as a deep loss to the Diocese and the wider Christian community. The Church also announced the cancellation of the upcoming “Stand Up for Jesus 2025” event in his honour.

The Diocese assured that prayers continue for the safe return of his wife and daughter.

Federal Government Responds to Rising Insecurity

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, reaffirmed that the Nigerian military is intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal networks responsible for attacks across the country. He explained that intermittent assaults are typical of guerrilla-style tactics but insisted that security forces are “working day and night” to restore normalcy.

He further confirmed that the Federal Government has launched a full investigation into recent school abductions, including claims that security personnel were withdrawn prior to an incident in Kebbi State.

Police Redeploy Over 11,000 Personnel

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that 11,566 police officers previously assigned to VIP protection have now been deployed to underserved communities to strengthen grassroots security.

He stated that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving community policing and ensuring fair distribution of manpower nationwide.

Cardinal Onaiyekan Calls for Better Equipment, Not More Personnel

Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan called on the Federal Government to prioritize properly equipping the officers already serving across the country rather than recruiting additional personnel. The Cardinal emphasized the need for immediate action, stressing that adequately supported police officers are capable of confronting insecurity.

Experts and Community Leaders Advocate Unity

Former Senator Shehu Sani and humanitarian organizations participating in the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance urged Nigerians to embrace unity, understanding, and dialogue. They highlighted the importance of addressing root causes of conflict, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting security agencies with the resources they need to protect communities.

Continue Reading

Trending