Delta Police Smash Kidnap Gangs, Rescue Three Victims, Recover 178 Live Cartridges

The Delta State Police Command has recorded fresh breakthroughs in its sustained fight against violent crime, with the arrest of several suspected kidnappers, the rescue of three abducted victims, and the recovery of 178 live cartridges in coordinated operations across the state.

The Delta State Police Command has recorded fresh successes in its ongoing crackdown on violent crime, arresting suspected kidnappers, rescuing three abducted victims, and seizing 178 live cartridges in separate operations carried out in Bomadi, Asaba, and Ubeji communities.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Asaba by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who said the breakthroughs were achieved through intelligence-led policing and swift tactical response by various police units across the state.

According to the statement, operatives of the Bomadi Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Adie Peter Bissong, while on a joint stop-and-search operation with local vigilantes along the Bomadi–Tuomo Road on Thursday, intercepted a motorcycle conveying a 62-year-old woman identified as Charter Timide.

A search of her luggage led to the discovery of a concealed sack containing 178 live cartridges neatly packed for delivery.

 “The suspect, who confessed to having purchased the cartridges from the Onitsha Main Market, has been transferred to the State Headquarters for further investigation,” Edafe stated, adding that police are working to uncover possible links with armed groups or illegal arms dealers

In a separate operation, operatives of the Ekpan Police Division, led by CSP Labe Joseph, responded to a distress call regarding a suspected kidnapping incident at Ubeji Community, behind the Ubeji Gas Plant.

Upon arrival, the suspects reportedly fled into an abandoned poultry house, but the police team swiftly cordoned off the area, leading to the arrest of seven suspects identified as Felix Omone (33), Solomon Omone (29), Tony Eboye (34), Omone David (32), Jerry Omone (33), Godspower Omone (25), and Edewho Bomele (33) all residents of Ubeji.

Three kidnapped victims, all from Jeddo Community, were rescued unhurt and later reunited with their families.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were abducted from a dredging site in Ubeji and ferried across a river, where their captors demanded ransom.

SP Edafe noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, commended the professionalism, coordination, and rapid response displayed by the officers during the operations.

“The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s determination to stamp out kidnapping, armed robbery, and the proliferation of illegal arms across Delta State,” Edafe said.

The police boss also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or via the Command’s Control Room number: 08036684974.

CP Abaniwonda hails tactical response teams, vows relentless fight against kidnapping and illegal arms trade