ASABA, Nigeria — Delta State police officers have cracked down on a notorious gang accused of armed robbery and kidnappings along the Warri-Sapele highway.
The ringleader, a 25-year-old named Sunday Nyero, is the eldest son of a pastor in a polygamous family.
Nyero and his cohorts were paraded before the press at the police command headquarters in Asaba.
Nyero, a resident of Sapele, revealed his family background and a troubled upbringing that led him down a dark path.
He also confessed to the various criminal activities his gang had engaged in along the busy highway.
“I am a rubber tapper, but I got involved in crime because of frustration and home problems. My father is a pastor. I am the eldest son of my father. So, this whole thing is a home problem. I’m even confused,” said Nyero during the police parade.
He asked for forgiveness from God, his pregnant wife, and his two children, expressing deep regret for his actions.
The gang leader confessed to kidnappings and armed robberies, explaining that his gang had only succeeded once due to persistent police efforts.
“We kidnap people on the Warri-Sapele road, but it is not every time. We have attempted five times, but succeeded only once because the police are always after us,” he said.
According to Nyero, the gang rented arms from one Kelvin, who is currently on the run. Kelvin also participated in operations and shared in the proceeds.
Parading the suspects on Saturday, May 27, 2023, DSP Bright Edafe, the Public Relations Officer of the command, said the Commissioner of Police, Wale Abass, had detailed the Decoy Squad to investigate the area following a series of complaints.
The squad embarked on covert operations in Sapele, acting on credible intelligence gathered within the locality, leading to the arrest of Nyero and eight others.
“All the suspects who were arrested through technical intelligence-led investigation have confessed to their involvements in numerous kidnapping/armed robbery operations,” Edafe said.
Among the items recovered from the gang were a Toyota Corolla, a locally made cut-to-size single barrel pistol, and 11 rounds of live cartridges.
The police have announced their ongoing efforts to apprehend other suspects still at large.
