The Delta State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to armed criminality in the region, announcing the arrest of seven suspected kidnappers, the rescue of three victims, and the recovery of a massive cache of 178 live cartridges in a series of coordinated operations across the state.
The breakthroughs, achieved through intelligence-led policing, underscore the Command’s intensified commitment to tackling kidnapping and illegal arms proliferation.
In a swift response to a distress call, operatives of the Ekpan Division successfully dismantled a suspected kidnapping operation in the Ubeji Community on Thursday.
At approximately 11:40 a.m. on October 30, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Labe Joseph, deployed a tactical team to an area behind the Ubeji Gas Plant following reports of an abduction. Upon sighting the police, the suspects fled into an abandoned poultry house, which officers quickly cordoned off.
The operation led to the arrest of seven male suspects, all from the Ubeji Community: Felix Omone (33), Solomon Omone (29), Tony Eboye (34), Omone David (32), Jerry Omone (33), Godspower Omone (25), and Edewho Bomele (33).
The police team also successfully rescued three male victims, all of the Jeddo Community, who were immediately reunited with their families. Preliminary investigation revealed the victims were abducted from a dredging site in Ubeji, ferried across a river, and held with threats of death unless a ransom was paid.
All suspects are in custody, and police are actively working to apprehend any fleeing accomplices and recover associated weapons.
In a separate, but equally crucial operation, police in Bomadi intercepted a large quantity of ammunition being smuggled into the region.
On Thursday at about 12:30 p.m., operatives of the Bomadi Division, led by CSP Adie Peter Bissong, conducted a joint stop-and-search with the Bomadi Vigilante along the Bomadi–Tuomo Road. They intercepted a motorcycle transporting a 62-year-old woman, identified as Charter Timide, to Tuomo Community.
A thorough search revealed a sack concealed on the motorcycle containing one hundred and seventy-eight (178) live cartridges neatly packed for delivery.
When interrogated, the suspect confessed to purchasing the ammunition from the notorious Onitsha Main Market. She has been transferred to the State Headquarters for discreet investigation to trace the destination and purpose of the cartridges and uncover potential links to armed groups or black-market networks.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, lauded the swift and professional actions of the operatives involved, reiterating the Command’s commitment to curbing kidnapping, armed robbery, and illicit arms proliferation across Delta State.
The CP urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid shielding criminals, and promptly report any suspicious activity or persons to the nearest police station or the Command Control Room via 08036684974.
