In a swift intelligence-driven operation, operatives of the Delta State Police Command have dismantled a kidnapping syndicate and arrested two suspects, foiling a planned abduction of a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, revealed that on July 31, 2026, operatives of ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, acted on credible intelligence that one Jeremiah Kwane, 26, had allegedly attempted to recruit an individual into a kidnapping ring with the intent to abduct the two victims.
Edafe confirmed that the intelligence was immediately acted upon, leading to Kwane’s arrest at his duty post in Ughelli. During a search of his premises, operatives recovered one single-barrel gun and two live cartridges. The suspect is currently undergoing further interrogation.
In a separate operation on August 4, 2026, police operatives from the Ebrumede Division, while on intensive stop-and-search duty along Garki-Uti Road, Effurun, intercepted three suspected armed robbers. One of them, Benjamin Haruna, 28, was arrested, while two others—identified as Omelo and Alabanco—escaped on a motorcycle.
A search of a bag in the suspects’ possession yielded two locally made double-barrel guns, eleven live cartridges, one expended cartridge, one axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, one lighter, and a camouflage military polo shirt. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were transporting the weapons and exhibits to their hideout along Sapele Road.
The police statement noted that the arrested suspects remain in custody, while a coordinated manhunt is ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplices.
Reacting to the developments, the State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s unwavering resolve to relentlessly pursue kidnappers, armed robbers, and other violent criminals. He also urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance the safety and security of all.
