Following the unfortunate kidnap incident that occurred on the 22nd of February 2024, 2025 where five members of Elyon Paradise Ministry Ogwashi-uku were kidnapped while attending a night vigil service at the church.
The Command spokesman, Edafe Bright, said that the Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, took decisive action by deploying tactical teams to Ogwashi-uku which included relocating operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and cyber-crime squad to Ogwashi-uku with a clear mandate to ensure that the kidnapped victims are rescued unhurt.
He added: “Consequently, on 25th February 2025, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and cyber-crime Squad led by the Commander, CSP Labe Joseph embarked on a sting operation alongside members of Ubuluku community vigilante, and other concerned indigenes of Ubuluku community, stormed Ubuluku forest where the victims were being held hostage.
“The kidnappers on sighting the Police engaged the Police in a fierce gun duel but they could not withstand the superior firepower of the Police, they took to their heels and abandoned the victims.
“All five of the Kidnapped members of Elyon Paradise ministry were rescued unhurt and have since reunited with their families. Exhibits recovered from the scene include thirteen rounds of expended cartridges, a bag containing the sum of One Million, three hundred thousand naira (#1,300,000) suspected to be ransom money. Manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.”
The CP commended the gallantry of the operatives and the resilience of good-spirited members of Ubuluku community vigilantes and indigenes which includes some human rights activists who took it upon themselves to follow the Police into the bush during the rescue operation.
