Delta Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Victims, Recover 178 Live Cartridges

The Delta State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against armed criminality, kidnapping, and illegal arms trafficking, with the arrest of several suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of large quantities of ammunition in coordinated operations across the state.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, the arrests were made in Bomadi, Ubeji, and Asaba communities through intelligence-led policing, tactical response, and effective collaboration with local vigilante groups.

178 Live Cartridges Recovered in Bomadi

According to the statement, on October 30, 2025, at about 12:30 p.m., operatives of Bomadi Division under the leadership of CSP Adie Peter Bissong, in conjunction with the Bomadi Vigilante Group, intercepted a motorcycle along the Bomadi–Tuomo Road.

The rider, who appeared nervous, was conveying a 62-year-old woman later identified as Charter Timide, to Tuomo Community. Upon searching a sack she carried, the officers discovered 178 live cartridges carefully concealed and packed for delivery.

“When interrogated, the suspect confessed to purchasing the cartridges from the Onitsha Main Market and was on her way to deliver them to an unidentified buyer,” SP Edafe stated.

The suspect and the recovered ammunition have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba for further investigation, with operatives tracing potential links to armed groups and black-market suppliers.

Kidnappers Arrested, Three Victims Rescued in Ubeji

In a separate operation, operatives of the Ekpan Division led by CSP Labe Joseph, successfully rescued three kidnapped victims and arrested seven suspected kidnappers at Ubeji Community, near the Ubeji Gas Plant, on the same day at about 11:40 a.m.

Upon receiving a distress call about a suspected kidnapping, the DPO quickly deployed tactical teams to the area. The suspects fled into an abandoned poultry building but were swiftly surrounded and overpowered by police operatives.

Those arrested include 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 Community.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims, all from Jeddo Community, were abducted at a dredging site and ferried across the river before ransom demands were made,” the statement confirmed.

The victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices and recover weapons used during the operation.

CP Abaniwonda Commends Operatives, Urges Vigilance

The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, commended the swift response, discipline, and professionalism of all officers involved in the successful operations.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to eliminating kidnapping, armed robbery, and arms proliferation in Delta State, assuring that the police would continue to leverage intelligence gathering and community cooperation to dismantle criminal networks.

“We are resolute in our mission to rid Delta State of criminal elements. The safety of residents remains our top priority,” the CP emphasized.

The Command urged members of the public to remain security-conscious, avoid shielding criminals, and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or the Command Control Room via 08036684974.