By: Sunday Ameh
The Delta State Police Command has arrested multiple suspected kidnappers, rescued three abducted victims, and intercepted 178 rounds of live ammunition in coordinated intelligence-driven operations across the state.
The operations, conducted on Thursday in Bomadi, Asaba, and Ubeji, signal a renewed crackdown on kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal arms trafficking in the state, according to a statement issued Friday by Command spokesman SP Bright Edafe.
Police operatives attached to the Bomadi Division, led by CSP Adie Peter Bissong, intercepted a commercial motorcycle along the Bomadi–Tuomo Road during a joint stop-and-search with local vigilantes.
A 62-year-old woman, identified as Charter Timide, allegedly behaved suspiciously. A search of a sack in her possession reportedly revealed 178 live cartridges.
The suspect allegedly confessed to purchasing the ammunition from Onitsha Main Market. Police said they were investigating possible links to arms-smuggling syndicates and militant groups.
She has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation.
Kidnapped Workers Rescued, Seven Suspects Arrested
In a separate operation, detectives from the Ekpan Division, led by CSP Labe Joseph, stormed Ubeji Community, near the Ubeji Gas Plant, following a distress call that armed men had abducted workers at a dredging site in Jeddo Community.
The suspects allegedly ferried the victims across a river and demanded ransom.
Police operatives reportedly tracked the gang to an abandoned poultry facility, where they were overpowered and arrested after a brief operation. The three victims were rescued unharmed.
Those arrested include:
Felix Omone (33)
Solomon Omone (29)
Tony Eboye (34)
Omone David (32)
Jerry Omone (33)
Godspower Omone (25)
Edewho Bomele (33)
Preliminary findings indicate the group is part of a local kidnap ring targeting workers and contractors in the Warri–Ubeji axis.
Commending the officers involved, Commissioner of Police Olufemi said the crackdown sends “a strong message to criminal gangs” operating in the state.
“Delta State will not tolerate criminal activities. We are committed to dismantling kidnapping networks and illegal arms supply routes,” he stated.
He urged residents to continue providing intelligence to security agencies as the command intensifies anti-crime efforts.
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